Arsenal Jump Into Battle for Star Player Coveted by Manchester City and Liverpool
Arsenal are reportedly maintaining strong interest in Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guéhi, adding another layer of complexity to Manchester City's potential January pursuit of the sought-after centre-back.
City are anticipated to remain active in the transfer market this month. Pep Guardiola's team continues competing across four tournaments while dealing with a deliberately streamlined squad that has been further depleted by injuries.
Joško Gvardiol has been ruled out for an extended period following a fractured tibia that necessitated surgical intervention. The crucial defender's comeback is being calculated in months rather than weeks, potentially jeopardizing his participation in this summer's World Cup.
Defensive partner Rúben Dias also sustained an injury during the same Chelsea encounter and faces a four-to-six-week absence due to a muscle issue.
This series of setbacks has reportedly intensified City's pursuit of a January acquisition of Guéhi, who enters the final six months of his Palace deal. This increased focus has prompted other suitors of the England defender to renew their interest.
Arsenal's enduring fascination with the player remains very much alive, initially reported by The Mirror and later corroborated by The Athletic. The Premier League frontrunners are believed to view Guéhi as a defensive target for the upcoming summer, though no definitive timeline for a potential transfer has been established. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has acknowledged that the club would be compelled to accept an appropriate offer for their captain this month.
Liverpool, who nearly secured Guéhi's signature last summer, are also mentioned among interested parties. However, the Merseyside club appears resigned to pursuing the composed defender only when he becomes available on a free transfer in July. Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all reportedly contemplating summer approaches.
City's immediate requirement for defensive reinforcement is crystal clear—though his role once Gvardiol and Dias regain full fitness remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Arsenal possess even greater depth in their defensive ranks.
Do Arsenal Need Marc Guéhi?
In pursuit of the club's first Premier League championship in 22 years, Mikel Arteta is determined to capitalize on every available opportunity. Whether through set-piece expertise, squad rotation, or transfer market activity.
The Arsenal manager has emphasized that the club are "actively exploring" additional signings this January. "The transfer window exists. We're Arsenal. Therefore, we must examine our options," he stated last month.
However, the necessity for a new centre-back—especially one with Guéhi's pedigree and expectations for regular involvement—is not immediately apparent.
When William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are available, they form the first-choice partnership. Both defenders have experienced injury spells this campaign, which is precisely why Arteta orchestrated the summer arrivals of Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera; two promising defenders comfortable operating as understudies or in fullback positions.
Even Arsenal's natural fullbacks—Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Jurriën Timber—possess considerable experience operating centrally.
Guéhi brings many qualities but versatility as a part-time right-back isn't among them. With his sights set on his maiden World Cup appearance this summer, joining a club where regular minutes in his favored position aren't assured would appear counterintuitive.