Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with the Crystal Palace defender.placeholder image
Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with the Crystal Palace defender. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal appear to have switched their transfer focus away from an in-demand Crystal Palace star.
Liverpool are reportedly planning a ‘take it or leave it’ transfer offer for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as the Champions look to continue their summer recruitment.
Metro claims that Arne Slot’s side will send a final offer of £40 million to the Eagles in a bid to beat Arsenal to the transfer. However, that report will not bother the Gunners amid progress towards a deal for Valencia youngster Cristhian Mosquera.
Recruiting a centre-back remains a priority for sporting director Andrea Berta at the Emirates Stadium but, should Mosquera come through the door, Arsenal will surely let go of any remaining desire to sign Guehi and not oppose the potential Liverpool swoop.
Arsenal targeting alternative centre-back
Journalist Henry Winter took to social media to provide an update on the Mosquera transfer, claiming that the defender is set to arrive at Arsenal this week. Winter wrote: "Should be a good week for Arsenal. Madueke and Mosquera in. Gyokeres fee virtually agreed, just at the add-on debating stage, plus dealing with agent’s substantial cut (and Arsenal being strong on that point).
"Gyokeres obviously very keen to go to Arsenal (and will need a contrite farewell letter to Sporting). Maybe needs to have another word with his agent - get the deal done. Also busy week on potential outgoings, generating income from Kiwior, Nelson, Trossard, Vieira, Zinchenko."
It’s been widely speculated that Arsenal will pay just £15 million for the 21-year-old, who is thought to be one of the most promising centre-backs on the continent. He is set to sign a contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.
Liverpool frontrunners for Marc Guehi transfer
Guehi is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park and is expected to be sold by the club this summer, before he can leave as a free agent next year. Crystal Palace were said to be wanting closer to £65 million but that fee is thought to be well above the valuation believed fair by suitors.
Liverpool’s next priority is signing a centre back after Jarell Quansah joined Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million. The Reds still have Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate but there are worries over Gomez’s fitness with Konate linked with an Anfield exit this summer.
Even with William Saliba linked with a move to Real Madrid, the likelihood that the Gunners would be willing to spend another £40 million on a centre-back after Mosquera appears low. The Valencia man is also four years younger than Guehi and perhaps a better long term solution.
Arsenal could still look to move for Guehi’s teammate Eberechi Eze but are in the process of adding Noni Madueke to the squad as another attacking option.
In other news, Ian Wright and Frank Lampard believe Arsenal are signing 'fantastic' Chelsea man who is 'real prospect'.
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