Arsenal and Liverpool have been dealt a big transfer blow after learning that Marc Guehi is set to join Manchester City. The Crystal Palace captain was seen as a smart and cheap signing for the summer, but City moved quickly and agreed to a deal first. With a large transfer fee and a huge contract now on the table, Pep Guardiola’s side look ready to beat their Premier League rivals once again.
🚨💥 Marc #Guehi to Manchester City – DONE DEAL ✔️
Full agreement has now been reached at all levels after a major offer to the player. We‘ve been told up to £30m fee for #CPFC. Medical scheduled within the next 2–4 days. Long-term contract. Bayern have been informed. #MCFC… pic.twitter.com/eR5rX5F1iJ
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 16, 2026
Why Marc Guehi Chose Manchester City
Marc Guehi has grown into one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and it is easy to see why Manchester City wanted him. At Crystal Palace, Guehi became team captain and a leader at the back. He is calm, strong, and very good with the ball at his feet. These skills are important for how City like to play.
City made their move on Friday, and Palace manager Oliver Glasner soon confirmed that the defender was close to leaving. Guehi was left out of the squad for Palace’s next match, which made the situation very clear. Glasner explained that when a player wants to move on, deals often happen quickly.
Reports first said the deal was worth £20 million, but it later came out that add-ons take the full price close to £30 million. Guehi has also agreed to personal terms, with his new wages said to be around £300,000 per week. That is a massive rise from what he earned at Palace and shows how highly City value him.
How Marc Guehi and Manchester City Beat Arsenal and Liverpool
Both Arsenal and Liverpool had strong reasons to like Marc Guehi, but Manchester City were simply faster and stronger in their approach. Arsenal hoped to sign the defender on a free transfer in the summer, which would have saved a lot of money. Liverpool were also watching closely and believed Guehi could fit well into their defence.
However, City did not want to wait. They moved early, agreed a fee with Palace, and offered Guehi a huge contract. That made the decision easier for the player. The city also has a strong history of winning trophies, which is always attractive to top players.
For Arsenal, the deal made sense on paper, but Guehi would have found it hard to start every week. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are already first choices at centre-back. At Liverpool, competition would also have been tough. City, on the other hand, offered both money and a clear plan under Pep Guardiola.
Fan Reactions
Fans across England have shared strong opinions online. Manchester City supporters are happy and excited, calling Guehi a perfect fit for their style of play. Many believe he can become even better under Guardiola.
Arsenal fans are more disappointed. Some feel the club missed a golden chance to sign a top defender without paying a large fee. Liverpool fans have also questioned why their club did not act sooner. Crystal Palace fans are sad to see their captain leave but have praised Guehi for his loyalty and effort while wearing the armband.
How this signing could impact
This move is an indication of how much power Manchester City wield in a transfer. They are action-orientated; lavish spending is a guarantee, and players will be lured with ease. This is a lesson for both Arsenal and Liverpool because waiting is hazardous.
Crystal Palace is left without an important leadership figure, but the finances generated by the transaction could aid them during their rebuild. As for Marc Guehi, the transfer marks an enormous improvement for the player.
Conclusion
Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City now looks almost certain. As one club grows stronger, others are left to reflect. The summer transfer window may still be months away, but this deal has already changed the picture.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
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