Crystal Palace to Accept Last-Minute £25m Marc Guehi Bid with Deadline-Busting Scramble on the Cards

Crystal Palace are poised to accept a late £25 million bid for star centre-back Marc Guéhi as the January transfer window deadline approaches, sparking a frantic scramble among top clubs.[3] The 25-year-old England international, whose contract expires in six months, has attracted interest from Europe's elite, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.[1][2]

Palace's willingness to sell comes amid Man City's defensive injury crisis, with Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol sidelined, prompting urgent action.[1] Earlier reports indicated Palace's asking price at around £40 million, but the last-minute £25m offer—likely undervaluing Guéhi's market value—may force their hand due to the tight timeline and replacement challenges in a thin January market.[1][3] Manager Oliver Glasner, previously firm on retaining Guéhi last summer, has softened his stance, admitting a departure is possible for the right price.[1]

Guéhi's appeal lies in his disciplined defending, space control, and ability to neutralize threats early, though advanced stats undervalue his preventative work in Palace's back-three system.[2] Liverpool's £35m summer deal collapsed at the eleventh hour, fueling ongoing interest.[1] Bayern Munich holds an edge, as Guéhi reportedly prefers a summer free transfer to Germany over an immediate Premier League move.[2]

A sale would represent a deadline-busting coup for the bidding club, potentially City responding to their crisis, but Palace risk losing their defensive linchpin without ideal recompense. Overseas clubs can negotiate pre-contracts now, adding pressure. With the window closing, negotiations intensify in this high-stakes transfer saga.[1][2][3]

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