The Eagles turned down big money for their skipper a year ago when Newcastle came calling, resisting the urge to cash in, knowing that Guehi would still command a high price 12 months later.
Guehi is expected to leave and return to one of the traditional top-six clubs, having departed Chelsea for Selhurst Park in 2021 following a fruitful time on loan with Swansea.
He signed a five-year contract for a fee of £18m, making him the club’s third most expensive signing in their history at the time. Chelsea also inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause in that deal, according to The Mirror, which could now fetch them millions if Liverpool seal a deal.
Speaking in April, Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted he was unsure if he could keep Guehi at the club, despite ongoing contract negotiations.
“We haven’t just started talking about his contract,” said Glasner. “The talks were going on even before I arrived – for more than two years now. Marc is thinking what is best for his personal career and this is what we have to accept.
“I don’t know [if he will sign a new deal]. I don’t think about what happens in summer. On the 26th of May, I will turn my phone off for one or two weeks and then we will see what happens.
“Everybody knows he is a great footballer and great character. Let’s see what happens. But, of course, no manager would want to lose their captain. It will be Marc’s decision, but I know that he is so focused on improving his game and our game. It has no influence on his performances.”
Liverpool splashing the cash on Guehi, in addition to expected deals for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, could yet benefit Chelsea and leave Enzo Maresca’s side with some financial breathing room.
An injection in the region of £8m is not to be sniffed at and could be the difference between a marquee transfer getting over the line for the Blues. Especially compared to a scenario where Guehi runs down his contract and leaves for free at the end of next season, offering no sell-on fee for Chelsea.