Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly sanctioned a potential January move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, marking a significant twist in the winter transfer window. This development follows a candid admission from Eagles boss Oliver Glasner about his star defender's future.
Gunners Enter Race for Palace Captain
The Mirror reports that Arsenal are now prepared to enter the transfer race for England international Marc Guehi. The centre-back, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and most recently Manchester City, was admired by the North London club last summer. However, they ultimately opted to sign defender Cristhian Mosquera instead at that time.
The situation has shifted following comments from Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. When asked about the possibility of selling Guehi, Glasner stated: "I'm not naive. If a massive offer comes from City and Marc wants to do it, it will happen... There will be a threshold where the club has to say it will happen - as long as Marc says 'I want to leave', because the final decision is always with the player."
This public acknowledgement has opened the door for Arsenal, who remain high on the player, to consider a winter move. The Gunners had been expected to have a quiet January after a summer spending spree of roughly £250 million, which brought in players including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze.
Academy Focus: Pursuit of Blackburn Teenager
Alongside strengthening the senior squad, Arsenal are also focusing on major improvements to their academy setup. A key target is Blackburn Rovers' 18-year-old forward Igor Tyjon.
The teenage striker, who can also operate on the left, has rejected a new professional contract at Ewood Park, and Blackburn are resigned to losing him. According to The Sun, Arsenal have already seen several bids for Tyjon rejected, with offers in excess of £1 million turned down. However, the club's interest remains active, and they continue to track the England U18s star.
What This Means for Arsenal's Window
This potential move for Guehi represents the kind of unique market opportunity that sporting director Andrea Berta might act upon, despite the squad's strong position. The Gunners' recruitment has been highly effective, as evidenced by their Premier League title-chasing status in the 2025/26 season.
The pursuit of Guehi, however, presents a dilemma. The club must decide whether to make a move in January or wait until the summer when the defender's contract expires. Meanwhile, their efforts to secure young talent like Igor Tyjon underscore a dual strategy of immediate first-team reinforcement and long-term squad building.
