Arsenal have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and have initiated talks for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, as the January transfer window intensifies. In a significant twist, Guehi is reportedly ready to reject advances from Manchester City in favour of a move to the Emirates or Liverpool.
Gunners' Defensive Boost with Guehi Preference
Marc Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park expires this summer, making him one of the most sought-after defensive assets. Manchester City had been considered frontrunners, hoping to secure his signature this month to address a defensive injury crisis. However, reports from reliable sources, including The Athletic's Sam Lee, indicate the 25-year-old England international would prefer to wait until the summer and join either Arsenal or Liverpool instead.
This development hands Mikel Arteta's side a substantial advantage in the race for the centre-back. City, meanwhile, have already completed one major deal, bringing in Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £62.5 million. The forward marked his debut with a goal in City's 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City.
Arsenal's Ambitious Attack: Barcola Talks Begin
Arsenal's recruitment drive is not limited to defence. The North London club have opened negotiations with PSG for French star Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old winger, valued around £87 million, has found game-time limited in Paris and is believed to be open to a move.
According to reports from Spain, the Gunners are at the forefront of the pursuit, though they face competition from other European heavyweights, including Liverpool. Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad proactively, with Newcastle's Tino Livramento, RB Leipzig's £86m-rated Yan Diomande, and Rennes prospect Jeremy Jacquet also on the radar.
Barcelona's Desire to Retain Rashford
In other major transfer news, Barcelona have expressed a clear interest in retaining Marcus Rashford beyond his current loan spell from Manchester United. The Catalan giants have an option to buy the England forward at the loan's conclusion, but it remains unconfirmed whether they will activate it.
This situation adds intrigue to the impending appointment of a new permanent manager at Old Trafford, who may wish to reintegrate Rashford into the United setup. Elsewhere, United are also tracking RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and are keen to bolster their midfield, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson named as primary targets.
The January window is now in full swing, with major deals and strategic moves shaping up across the Premier League and Europe. Arsenal's aggressive approach in the market signals their intent to sustain a title challenge, while the futures of stars like Guehi, Barcola, and Rashford promise to dominate headlines in the coming weeks.
