Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering a renewed bid for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, a year after the Gunners were deterred by the Eagles' hefty valuation of their captain.
However, Arsenal's plans to secure William Saliba on a new contract could potentially hinder a move for Guehi. The 24-year-old England international has only a year left on his current deal with Palace, making him a more affordable target compared to last summer's reported £70 million price tag.
Despite reigniting their interest in Guehi, Arsenal are keen to retain their defensive stalwart Saliba for the foreseeable future. This could dissuade the England star from joining a side with an established defensive duo like Saliba and Gabriel, as he might find regular playing time hard to come by.
With the World Cup looming next summer, Guehi will likely prefer a club where he can guarantee himself consistent game time – even if that means remaining at Palace. The Eagles are currently deliberating whether to cash in on the former Chelsea player if they fail to secure him on a new contract following their FA Cup victory.
According to The Times, Arsenal dropped their interest in Guehi in 2024, opting instead for Riccardo Calafiori to bolster both central defence and left-back positions, reports the Mirror. Now, as per The Athletic, Arteta is once again interested in bringing an experienced centre-back into his squad.
The report indicates that Arsenal went to great lengths to secure Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, but the Spanish international opted for Real Madrid instead, prompting the Gunners to reconsider Guehi as a target.
Marc Guehi looks on for Crystal Palace
Marc Guehi is in demand this summer (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, and his former club Chelsea are all understood to have shown interest in the centre-back. Chelsea's entitlement to a 20 per cent sell-on fee, due to Guehi's development at their academy, is thought to be a factor in Palace's substantial valuation.
Arsenal have successfully extended Gabriel's stay by securing the 27-year-old Brazilian with a new four-year deal. With Saliba, 24, entering the final two years of his contract, the club has initiated talks over a fresh agreement.
Confidence is high within the Arsenal boardroom that the French defender will remain at the club, despite Real Madrid's interest. Saliba himself has expressed his satisfaction with life in north London, stating there was "no rush" to decide on his future.
William Saliba and Gabriel talk on the pitch for Arsenal
William Saliba and Gabriel would provide competition for Marc Geuhi (Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
"I'm really happy here," he said. "I've been here for two-and-a-half years as well. There is nothing. I'm happy here and I want to continue here."
After Palace's FA Cup triumph in May, Guehi addressed his own future, saying: "I'm still under contract at this football club, so my focus is always at this football club. So, you know, for me, the most important is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds."
Arsenal's decision to keep Saliba could be a determining factor in Guehi's next move, with clubs like Newcastle United potentially offering more playing time. Regardless, Palace seem to be bracing for the departure of their skipper, who might leave this summer for a sum in the region of £40m-£45m.
Reports suggest that the Eagles have identified Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande as a potential replacement. Arsenal were also reportedly interested, but recent rumours indicate that Palace are preparing a £45m offer for the Ivorian international.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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