Arsenal are reportedly primed to contest Manchester City, along with other clubs, in the imminent pursuit of Crystal Palace’s stalwart captain, Marc Guehi. The central defender, lauded as one of Europe’s elite in his position, has been a linchpin for both Crystal Palace and the England national team, showcasing his formidable talents over the past few seasons.
With Guehi’s contract nearing its expiration, it is almost certain that Palace will part ways with their prized asset this year. Liverpool appeared ready to secure the defender’s services last summer, having negotiated a £35 million fee, only to have the deal scuppered at the eleventh hour as Palace were unable to secure a replacement in time. Liverpool’s defensive frailties this season underscore their continued interest in Guehi, but they are not alone in their admiration—the battle for his signature includes a host of Premier League and European clubs.
Manchester City are among those closely monitoring the situation, reportedly eager to secure Guehi this month to mitigate the injury crisis that has befallen their defensive ranks with Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol sidelined. Thursday’s reports suggested City and Guehi have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms, though Palace and City still need to negotiate a transfer fee.
The Mirror has posited City as frontrunners in this transfer saga, but Arsenal are said to be ready to join the fray. The Gunners view the potential acquisition of Guehi as a ‘no-brainer’, though it remains unclear whether they will make a swoop in January or wait until the summer when Guehi becomes a free agent.
The situation for City’s potential deal is complex, hinging on significant financial outlays. Palace could demand a fee upwards of £40 million, a price tag that would test City’s willingness to commit. Any club hoping to secure Guehi now must reckon with his potential wage demands, which could escalate come summer.
With City’s injury woes adding urgency to their pursuit, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether Guehi will don the sky blue of Manchester, or if the winds will carry him to North London, or even further afield. The battle for Guehi’s signature promises to be one of the most captivating narratives of this transfer window.