Liverpool are preparing to launch a formidable assault on the summer transfer market with a move for Crystal Palace and England cornerstone Marc Guehi, The Mirror can exclusively reveal.
New Anfield boss Arne Slot has identified the 23-year-old centre-half as a primary defensive target and the Merseyside giants are poised to table a substantial offer to pry him away from Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell their prized asset, who is currently focused on his international duties with England at Euro 2024. However, the South London club are acutely aware that a bid in excess of £60 million would force them into a difficult decision, particularly as the player's contract enters its final two years.
Palace's Stance and the Anfield Pull
While the Eagles have no desire to lose their defensive linchpin, the financial might and prestige of a club like Liverpool presents a formidable challenge. Guehi's head could be turned by the prospect of Champions League football and a central role in Slot's new project at one of the world's most iconic clubs.
The potential transfer is further complicated by interest from other top-tier teams and Palace's own successful retention of other key players like Michael Olise, who is now also subject of widespread interest. The sale of Guehi could provide the necessary funds to reinforce Oliver Glasner's squad more broadly.
A New Defensive Era for Liverpool?
For Liverpool, the pursuit of Guehi signals a clear intent to build a robust defence for the future. With the ageing Virgil van Dijk, though still world-class, and the injury-prone Ibrahima Konaté, securing a long-term, Premier League-proven defender is seen as a strategic priority.
Guehi's composure on the ball, leadership qualities, and proven track record in the English top flight make him an ideal candidate to become a mainstay at the heart of Liverpool's defence for years to come. This potential move has all the makings of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas.
