Arsenal set to enter Marc Guehi transfer race as Liverpool's worst fears come true
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Arsenal is reportedly preparing to join the race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, intensifying competition for the England defender whose future has become one of the most prominent transfer stories of the season. A failed £35m move to Liverpool last summer left Guehi at Selhurst Park, but with his contract running down and no extension agreed, top clubs are circling once again.
Liverpool’s interest remains strong, yet the situation has shifted in a way that underlines the club’s “worst fears.” Manchester City, dealing with a defensive injury crisis, is now considering a January move for Guehi, potentially driving up both the fee and the level of competition for his signature. City’s expected completion of a big-money deal for Antoine Semenyo could be followed by a renewed push for a centre-back, with Guehi near the top of their list.[4]
Arsenal, meanwhile, is understood to be weighing up a move as part of broader plans to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad. Their entry would add another elite Premier League rival to the battle, alongside Liverpool and City, for a player widely regarded as one of the most reliable defenders in the league. The Gunners’ interest reflects both Guehi’s consistent form for Palace and the scarcity of high-level, homegrown centre-backs available at a reasonable fee.
Crystal Palace is under pressure: sell now for a reduced figure compared with last summer’s asking price, or keep their captain until the end of the season and risk losing him for nothing. Reports suggest that offers below the previous £35m valuation may still be considered, given his contract situation and the scale of interest from England and abroad.[1][3]
For Liverpool, the emergence of Arsenal and Manchester City as serious contenders heightens the risk of missing out entirely on a long-term defensive target, turning a previously near-complete deal into a multi-club bidding war that could define their defensive planning for seasons to come.[2][4]