Chelsea clause can see £18m transfer gamble rectified to avoid Liverpool, Man City disasters

Chelsea could solve their looming centre-back issues by re-signing Marc Guehi after a surprise clause in the Crystal Palace star’s contract surfaced.

The Blues are currently unable to sign their players to new contracts until the club’s takeover has been completed. While that is expected to conclude before the summer window opens, it has left Chelsea sweating on the futures of three defensive stars.

All three of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta are out of contract in the summer.

Christensen looks odds on to be joining Barcelona. Azpilicueta could yet join him at the Camp Nou. Though it’s believed Chelsea have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months when sanctions are lifted.

Rudiger, meanwhile, would arguably be the biggest loss given the outstanding form he has produced this year. The German has drawn links with Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid, among others.

Chelsea may have to dip into the market to offset one – or more – of those potential losses. Reigniting their pursuit of Jules Kounde could be one option, albeit an expensive one.

Instead, Chelsea could seek to rectify a transfer gamble and re-sign new England international Marc Guehi.

That’s according to the Sun’s Tom Barclay who told GiveMeSport: “I don’t think they do have a buyback clause.

“My understanding is they have a clause, which kicks in next summer. If another club makes a bid and it gets accepted then they have the right to match that bid and have it accepted.

“His story at Chelsea might not definitely be over. But it’s not as simple as Tino Livramento, for example, where if they just offer close to £38million, they can get him back.”

In other words, Chelsea have a right of first refusal. Should another club