Chelsea targeting two free transfers, Premier League executive says one is a no-brainer

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TBR Football understand Chelsea are in the race to sign two elite players for free in 2026.

The Blues spent £285m on new signings during the summer to take their total spending under Todd Boehly to more than £1.5bn – which is quite remarkable considering the American only took over from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.

TBR Football understand Chelsea are now looking to take advantage of the free agent market in 2026 as Marc Guehi and Mike Maignan are targeted.

Exclusive: Chelsea want Mike Maignan and Marc Guehi for free

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has now been told that Chelsea are firmly back in the frame to sign the England international on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.

Liverpool came close to signing Guehi in a £35m move from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day (Monday 1st September) until Steve Parish pulled the plug on the deal.

Now, the Crystal Palace No.6 is set to see out the 2025/26 campaign and leave on a free transfer, where Chelsea and a number of other European giants are queuing up to secure his signature.

We understand Liverpool remain favourites to sign Guehi, but there is expected to be interest from Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United as well as Chelsea.

Overseas, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli have all registered their interest in the 25-year-old.

The aforementioned Bailey claims: “Chelsea know all about Guehi, but this summer they opted not to bring in a new central defender, even after Levi Colwill’s injury. However, the chance to add a homegrown star, currently one of the best in Europe – it is just not logical for them not to be involved.

“Chelsea know Guehi’s character, he is a fantastic person and everyone who meets him relays that fact – I was told by one high ranking Premier League executive that signing him is one of the ‘least risky’ transfers that anyone could do.

“Liverpool remain in pole position, that is the belief in football circles, but Guehi is going to have his pick of clubs from England and Europe. It’s going to be fascinating to see how this plays out.”

Chelsea also remain keen on Mike Maignan

As aforesaid, those at Stamford Bridge could make two free transfers in the summer of 2026.

TBR Football understand Chelsea plan to bid for Maignan in January ahead of his contract expiring in June 2026, but will look to seal a free transfer in the summer if that offer proves unsuccessful.

Chelsea wanted Maignan during the summer transfer window just gone – 12 months ahead of his contract expiring – before AC Milan eventually held firm.

However, sources tell TBR Football that the France international remains a main target amid doubts over Robert Sanchez, so the prospect of Chelsea signing two elite players for free in 2026 cannot be ruled out.