Arsenal have renewed their interest in England star, with manager Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his defensive options ahead next season
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have renewed their interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly eager to bolster his defensive options ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to multiple sources, including The Athletic.
The 24-year-old England international, whose contract with Palace enters its final year this summer, has emerged as a prime target for the Gunners after a previous move was stalled by a £70 million valuation last year.
With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães forming a formidable partnership, Arteta is keen to add depth and competition, particularly after failing to secure Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who opted for Real Madrid instead. Guehi, described as a “superstar player” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, is seen as an ideal fit due to his ball-playing ability, composure, and Premier League experience.
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According to The Athletic, Guehi is “high on Arsenal’s list” of targets, with his contract situation making him a more affordable option than last summer’s £70 million price tag. Reports from Metro and Chronicle Live suggest Palace could now accept a fee in the £40-£45 million range, influenced by Guehi’s reluctance to sign a new deal and a 20% sell-on clause owed to Chelsea, his former academy club.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi (Image credit: Getty Images)
Guehi, who played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May 2025, has remained tight-lipped about his future. Speaking after the final, he reiterated his commitment to Palace, stating, “I’m still under contract at this football club, so my focus is always at this football club.”
However, with only 12 months left on his deal and no progress on a contract extension, Palace are bracing for his potential departure. The club has already identified Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande as a £45 million replacement, signalling their preparation for life without their captain.
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Palace’s Europa League qualification, secured through their FA Cup win, has not swayed Guehi’s stance, with sources indicating he is open to a move to a club challenging for top trophies. Arsenal’s consistent Champions League participation and Arteta’s vision could appeal to the defender, though he may prioritise guaranteed playing time, a potential concern given Saliba and Gabriel’s entrenched roles.
Arsenal face stiff competition for Guehi’s signature. Newcastle United, who bid up to £60 million for him last summer, remain keen, with The Telegraph reporting their intent to make him a priority signing. Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation, with Chelsea’s interest heightened by their 20% sell-on clause, per Teamtalk.
Newcastle’s ability to offer regular minutes could pose a challenge for Arsenal, while Liverpool’s pursuit is driven by their need for defensive reinforcements.
Guehi’s profile aligns with Arteta’s preference for versatile, ball-playing defenders. His 104 Premier League appearances for Palace, coupled with 18 England caps, make him a proven asset at both club and international levels. His ability to maintain composure under pressure, as demonstrated during Palace’s FA Cup run, complements Arsenal’s high-pressing style. However, integrating him into a squad with established defenders like Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior and Calafiori could require careful squad management, especially as Arsenal prioritise tying Saliba to a new contract.