Arsenal’s recruitment planning continues to place a strong emphasis on long-term value and squad evolution, with Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy closely monitoring contract situations across the Premier League. As the Gunners look to maintain momentum at the top end of the table, opportunities to strengthen without paying a premium transfer fee are being explored in detail. Free-agent scenarios are viewed internally as a chance to add quality while preserving flexibility elsewhere in the squad. One such situation has now moved into focus, with an experienced England international emerging as a serious option amid growing interest from rival clubs ahead of the summer window.
Arsenal target Marc Guehi as opportunity emerges
Guehi
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign Marc Guéhi on a free transfer this summer.The Crystal Palace defender is now in the final six months of his contract, placing his future firmly under the spotlight as rival clubs assess their options.
Guéhi came close to joining Liverpool on Deadline Day last summer, but the deal ultimately failed to materialise. Interest has not cooled since, with Manchester City also reported to be exploring a January move due to defensive injury concerns. Arsenal, however, view the summer as the most realistic route, believing a Bosman deal would represent a major market opportunity rather than a short-term fix.
How Guehi fits Arteta’s defensive blueprint
marc guehi
Sources have told FootballTransfers that Guéhi’s potential arrival would not impact the futures of any current Arsenal defenders. Instead, he would be added to increase competition and depth across the back line as the club look to sustain performance levels across multiple competitions. Arteta’s long-term plan remains for Myles Lewis-Skelly to return to midfield, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié competing for the left-back role.
Guéhi, described as a 'superstar', would be brought in to challenge Gabriel Magalhães for the left-sided centre-back position, while William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera provide options on the opposite side. Arsenal are also monitoring Valentino Livramento of Newcastle United, highlighting a broader strategy to future-proof their defensive unit.
With rival interest expected to intensify, Arsenal are positioning themselves early, aware that Guéhi’s contract situation could shape one of the most competitive free-agent races of the summer. It seems Internally, Arsenal believe early positioning will be crucial, particularly with multiple elite clubs monitoring the situation. While no formal approach has been made, groundwork is already being laid behind the scenes, with the club keen to avoid being reactive later in the window should Guéhi’s availability attract a full-scale bidding battle.