Transfer Battle: Liverpool & Arsenal Pursue Marc Guéhi
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On the final day of the summer transfer window, Liverpool came close to securing a deal for Crystal Palace’s centre-back and captain, Marc Guéhi. However, the move fell through as the Eagles were unable to find a suitable replacement. Six months later, with Guéhi’s contract nearing its expiration this June, it appears that Manchester City is now leading the pursuit for the 25-year-old defender. Recent reports indicate that City has made significant progress on the deal in the past 12 hours.
In a recent press conference, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he would be leaving Selhurst Park at season’s end and provided an update on Guéhi’s situation, stating, “My latest understanding is that the deal for Marc is in the final stages. I cannot confirm the club’s [latest updates]. It’s not done. But the outcome is Marc won’t play for us tomorrow.” The expected transfer fee is around €23 million.
Although Pep Guardiola’s squad boasts a wealth of talent in the centre-back position, recent injuries to Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, along with ongoing fitness issues for John Stones, have left the team in need of reinforcements. Currently, only Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Aké are the senior centre-backs available. Liverpool and Arsenal are also showing serious interest, along with foreign clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, although many of these teams prefer to wait for a summer free transfer of Guéhi.
Is Manchester City the Right Choice for Marc Guéhi?
Marc Guéhi currently has numerous top clubs vying for his signature, and at 25 years old, his next move could significantly impact his career trajectory. Last season’s Premier League elite—Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City—each present compelling cases for his destination. Liverpool stands out for potential playing time, as they currently have only two senior centre-backs, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. With van Dijk now at 34 and Konaté’s contract ending this summer, Guéhi could become a key figure at Anfield.
However, Liverpool has faced challenges this season, and factors surrounding players like Mohamed Salah could make the dressing room feel less stable. Conversely, while Manchester City has been a dominant force over the past decade, they experienced a rare trophy-less season last year, and Guardiola’s uncertain future adds a layer of unpredictability to the environment at the Etihad. Additionally, should Guéhi join City, he might face fierce competition for a starting role once Dias and Gvardiol are back in the fold.
At Arsenal, Guéhi would similarly confront competition, potentially contending for a spot in an already strong centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba. There are rumors that Mikel Arteta may adjust his squad setup, which could open possibilities, but Guéhi would still not be guaranteed a first-choice position. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s overall stability might appeal to him, and it could present a good chance for him to secure silverware, provided the team can maintain their competitive edge this season.
The opportunity to sign Guéhi on a free transfer has not gone unnoticed by numerous top clubs, and some might be keen to acquire him for strategic reasons, preventing rivals from gaining such a talented player. As this month unfolds, Guéhi is also able to establish pre-contract agreements with clubs in Europe. With his Crystal Palace tenure concluding, including leading them to the FA Cup last season, few would begrudge him a well-deserved move.
