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Chelsea have reportedly suffered a blow in their quest to land their number-one target for the January window.
Enzo Maresca has identified central defence as an area that requires urgent attention and the Blues are eager to find a solution this month.
However, their top target, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi appears to be beyond the club's budget.
Guehi, who joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 has grown into one of the league's most consistent defenders while cementing a regular starting spot for the England national team.
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According to The Mirror, Chelsea’s strict wage structure could be a key reason why they have been unable to bring the defender back to Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old, currently valued at over £50 million by Crystal Palace, is reportedly seeking wages of around £200,000 per week.
Chelsea's contract policy, which offers players a lower basic salary in exchange for long-term deals, may not be enough to meet Guehi's demands. This could ultimately lead to the Blues missing out on the highly sought-after defender, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool.
Guehi, who joined Chelsea's academy at the age of seven, would be a significant addition to the Blues' defense, and an upgrade on the likes of Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo. However, the club's wage policy may prove to be a major obstacle in securing his signature.
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