Chelsea are reportedly interested in Marc Guehi after Wesley Fofana sustained a serious knee injury.
The Blues suffered a blow in their preparations for the new season when Fofana sustained an anterior cruciate ligament in training.
After undergoing surgery for the injury, the Frenchman is expected to miss at least six months of action, while there is a possibility that he could be absent for the entirety of the 2023-24 season.
Having already sold Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Hilal this summer, Chelsea are left with Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah as their four senior centre-back options.
Chalobah had been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are keen to retain his services following the news of Fofana's injury.
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They are also considering the possibility of recruiting a new central defender and a familiar face has emerged as a potential option.
According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are showing an interest in Guehi, who is a product of the club's academy system.
After making just two appearances for the Chelsea first team, the England international completed an £18m move to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2021.
Guehi has put in a number of impressive performances with the Eagles after striking up a resolute central defensive partnership with Joachim Andersen.
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With three years remaining on Guehi's current contract, Palace would be looking to receive a £50m fee to part ways with one of their prized assets.
Although Chelsea do not have the luxury of a buy-back clause, they reportedly have the first option to match an offer from rival bidders.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked with a move for the Palace defender.
The 23-year-old, who has made four international appearances for England, has also attracted interest from Newcastle United.
