Arsenal have signalled their intent to enter the fierce battle for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, setting up a potential transfer showdown with Premier League rivals Manchester City.
City Make First Move in High-Stakes Pursuit
Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old England international after making a significant push to secure a deal during the January transfer window. However, their path is now complicated by Arsenal's renewed interest, with the Gunners preparing to present their own case to the highly sought-after defender.
Guehi will become a free agent this summer, a situation that has alerted a host of Europe's elite clubs. Alongside Arsenal and City, Liverpool and German giants Bayern Munich maintain a genuine interest in acquiring his services.
Palace's Dilemma and the £40m Question
Crystal Palace face a difficult decision. Despite Guehi's contract situation, the club is under no financial pressure to sell cheaply. Last summer, they accepted a bid from Liverpool worth £35 million plus £5 million in add-ons, though the move collapsed on deadline day.
With City desperate for defensive reinforcements following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, Palace's valuation is now understood to be around £40 million. This hefty fee will test City's resolve, especially as any buying club knows Guehi could command a larger signing-on bonus and salary if he moves for free in July.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged the complex situation, stating: "If you're just valuing sports, everyone in the club will say Marc has to stay... I'm not so naive not to know that if a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen."
Arsenal's Strategic Play and Summer Opportunity
For Arsenal, the appeal is clear. Securing one of England's premier defenders on a free transfer would represent a major coup. The Gunners held an interest last summer before opting to sign Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia and Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen.
While Arsenal boast one of the league's best centre-back partnerships in William Saliba and Gabriel, sporting director Andrea Berta is known to want strong competition in every position. Guehi's versatility and proven Premier League quality make him an attractive proposition.
The competition remains fierce. Bayern Munich's interest is described as "incredibly strong," with manager Vincent Kompany a known admirer and Harry Kane likely to advocate for his England teammate's move to Germany. Liverpool also retain their interest from last summer's failed bid.
All eyes are now on whether Manchester City will meet Palace's asking price this month, or if clubs like Arsenal will bide their time, hoping to capitalise on a lucrative free-agent opportunity in just a few months' time.
