Sport pundit Paul Merson has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea’s attempts to re-sign former player Marc Guehi, branding the Crystal Palace defender “overrated”.
Guehi, who came through the Chelsea academy, has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks. However, Merson believes that the 23-year-old is not good enough to play for a top club like Chelsea.
“I just don’t get it,” Merson said on Sky Sports. “Marc Guehi is a decent player, but he’s not good enough for Chelsea. He’s overrated, if you ask me. He’s a player who can do well in smaller leagues and clubs, but he’s not got the quality to play for a top team like Chelsea.”
Merson’s comments are likely to spark a heated debate among Chelsea fans, who may disagree with his assessment of Guehi’s abilities. However, the former Arsenal midfielder believes that Chelsea should be aiming higher than Guehi.
“Chelsea need to be looking at better players than Marc Guehi,” Merson said. “They need to be looking at players who can make a real difference, not just decent players who can fill a gap. Guehi is not the answer to Chelsea’s defensive problems, and I think they’re making a mistake by pursuing him.”
Guehi’s potential return to Chelsea has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with some reports suggesting that the Blues are willing to pay up to £70 million to bring him back to Stamford Bridge. However, Merson believes that Chelsea would be wasting their money.
“I think Chelsea would be mad to pay £70 million for Marc Guehi,” Merson said. “He’s just not worth that kind of money. He’s a decent player, but he’s not a top-class defender. Chelsea need to be more ambitious than that if they want to win the Premier League.”
Merson’s comments are likely to spark a lively debate among football fans, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will ultimately decide to pursue a deal for Guehi.
