Marc Guehi is high on Arsenal’s shortlist if they move for a defender this summer, though it may be difficult to convince him to compete with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: David Raya of Arsenal fails to collect the ball whilst under pressure from Eddie Nketiah of Crystal Palace as Ismaila Sarr and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace miss a chance during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that if Arsenal do decide to move for a defender this summer, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is high on their shortlist.
With just a year remaining on his Palace contract, Guehi would be significantly more affordable this summer than previously. As a 24-year-old England international performing well in the Premier League, you’d generally expect a significant premium on a deal.
Rather than the cost of a deal, the bigger issue appears to be convincing the player himself. McNicholas points out that Guehi would be competing for a place against Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in a World Cup year.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Gabriel of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
In recent seasons, Arsenal have generally had some minutes on offer to their backup centre-backs. Gabriel missed the last few months of the 2024/25 campaign with a hamstring injury, and Saliba spent a few months out in 2022/23.
But then you look at the 2023/24 campaign, where the duo played 36 times together in 38 Premier League matches. It would be hard for Guehi to compete for an England spot if that happens again next year.
Arsenal would have to convince the centre-back that things have changed, and that they’re more open to rotating their back four now.
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The other question mark surrounds Jakub Kiwior. It’s one thing to have to compete with Gabriel for Guehi’s favoured left-centre-back role, but Kiwior has also impressed in the same position in Gabriel’s absence.
Perhaps a move for Guehi will ultimately hinge on a significant sale for Kiwior, providing both the funds for a move and an opening in the squad.
Related Posts