Chelsea 'lead' Liverpool for £75m star as January transfer decision confirmed

Chelsea are now preparing for a date with London rivals Crystal Palace as they look to put a disappointing run of festive fixtures behind them. The Blues have fallen out of the title conversation for now, and they must also look over their shoulders, with Newcastle United in fifth now just three points behind.

Palace have been on a resurgence of late, and they will provide a stiff test for the Blues as they look to end a run of three without a win. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Guehi claim

Chelsea are said to be interested in a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who previously played for the club. Newcastle United tried to sign Guehi up to the final day of the summer window but Palace did not budge.

According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea are now leading the race to re-sign Guehi amid interest from Newcastle, Liverpool and others. Chelsea could do with a little more quality and depth at centre-back, but it would be a surprise to see them spend quite so much on another defender when their priorities will likely be a striker and a goalkeeper during the summer window. Naturally, Palace are not going to be selling Guehi during the January window, so this would be a summer move.

Chelsea recall youngster

Chelsea have recalled youngster Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell with Boca Juniors. A club statement confirmed: “Aaron Anselmino has been recalled from his loan spell at Boca Juniors. The Argentine defender joined the Blues from Boca in August, penning a long-term deal, before heading back to La Bombonera on loan to continue his development.

“Aaron made 18 appearances for Boca across all competitions during his loan spell and became a regular in the backline. Welcome back to Chelsea, Aaron!”

Merson on Maresca lesson

Paul Merson says Enzo Maresca needs to learn to start Nicolas Jackson, particularly away from home. “I think the one thing that Enzo Maresca needs to learn is that when Chelsea play away from home, he has to start with Nicolas Jackson,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“It was a bad mistake playing Christopher Nkunku at Ipswich. Jackson gives you the energy up front in such games and holds the ball up really well. Maresca got that selection horribly wrong and Chelsea paid the price for it!”