Arsenal legend Sol Campbell believes the Gunners should enquire for a Premier League star despite the quality they already have in defence at the Emirates
15:47, 10 Jan 2026
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Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has urged the Gunners to beat Liverpool to sign Marc Guehi.(Image: )
Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has called for the Gunners to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Liverpool. The Crystal Palace star is one of the most talked about names of the January transfer window, with the Reds and Manchester City keen to sign him.
Guehi is out of contract in the summer and saw a move to Anfield collapse on transfer deadline day in the summer when the Eagles pulled the plug on the deal. The England international is now free to speak with clubs from around Europe.
Arsenal are also said to have offered genuine interest in signing Guehi. But given injuries to Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones, City could force some competition in January if they decide to move early and pay a fee.
Campbell will be pleased to know that his former side could prove to be a spoiler, however. "The back line is more interesting," Campbell told Sky Bet.
"Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace is a top player. I know Liverpool are sniffing around him. That’s someone I would enquire about."
With Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal's defence, it is perhaps surprising Campbell wants the north London side to make a move for Guehi. The Invincible holdss the partnership in high regard but believes they have more to prove.
"To be a truly top centre-half pairing, you must play together for two, three, four, even five years," he said. "And you must win things.
"You need to perform at a high-level week in, week out, across multiple seasons, then look back and say, ‘We achieved something’.
"You can’t really compare partnerships until that happens. Potentially, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba could be the best Arsenal have had, and among the best the Premier League has seen. But potential isn’t enough – you have to win.
"Everything is there. I hope they go on to build an outstanding partnership over the next few years, win trophies and fulfil what they’re working towards.
Marc Guehi has again emerged as a defensive transfer option for Arsenal
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Marc Guehi has again emerged as a defensive transfer option for Arsenal(Image: (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) )
"You can play brilliantly and have a great relationship, but if you don’t win anything, something is missing.
"That’s what you’ve got to do – play amazing, have a great relationship, win as well, and then look back and say, ‘That was an amazing time.’ Until then, it’s all about potential. Hypothetically."
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has not ruled out an exit for Guehi this month. He said: "I think Marc will stay.
"But if Marc says, 'I want to leave', and a club pays massive money - with five months left of a contract - every player will leave if you're playing for a club like Crystal Palace.
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"I'm pretty sure our chairman will ask for a very high price for him and then let's see. I don't know if Marc wants to leave."