Crystal Palace sign Chelsea defender Marc Guehi on five-year deal

The 21-year-old defender has joined the Eagles on a five-year deal after they agreed a fee in the region of £18m with the Blues.

The England U21 international came through

's academy and was under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2023, but had made just two first-team appearances for the club.

Guehi spent last season on loan at

and played 40 games under

Steve Cooper

in the Championship.

After starring for Swansea last season, Guehi was expected to find a place in

Thomas Tuchel

's first-team plans this season, but Palace sent an offer that both Chelsea and Guehi could not refuse.

"I'm very excited,"

Guehi told Palace TV.

"It's a great opportunity for me to come to such a big club in the Premier League. I'm really excited to get going.

"[The club is taking] a really exciting direction with the new gaffer that's come in. A lot of good young players are here and obviously such a stable club with top players really enticed me and made me want to come."

Guehi becomes the latest recruits of 

Patrick Vieira

for the Eagles following the signings of midfielder

Michael Olise

from Reading and goalkeeper

Remi Matthews

on a free transfer.

Chairman

Steve Parish

added:

"We are delighted to have signed Marc for Crystal Palace. He's an exciting talent and one we believe will be a valuable addition to the squad as we build towards the coming season."

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