Arsenal's transfer business this summer is going to prove critical when it comes to getting their hands on some much-needed silverware. Trophies have unfortunately alluded Mikel Arteta since lifting the FA Cup back in 2020 and it is something the Spaniard needs to address.
Arsenal have made giant strides in recent seasons, notably finishing second in the Premier League table three years on the trot, but they have been unable to take that crucial next step in their development. The potential arrival of Martin Zubimendi would give them a midfield upgrade and the same would go for in attack if one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres signs on.
That should not be the end of Arsenal's transfer business, however. Arteta will no doubt want further additions across the pitch, with centre-back one area that could be looked at. According to The Athletic, Arteta is interested in bringing an experienced centre-back into his squad, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi someone who is high on their list.
The 24-year-old has earned rave reviews in the Premier League since joining the Eagles from Chelsea in 2021 after an impressive loan spell with Championship side Swansea City. Not only has Guehi helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup for the first time in their history and subsequently qualify for Europe, he is now a permanent fixture in the England squad and a regular starter.
A host of clubs have been linked with Guehi over the past year, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham. Arsenal were themselves linked with the powerful defender 12 months ago but dropped their interest and instead opted for Riccardo Calafiori to bolster their defensive options.
One year on, the Gunners could potentially revisit a move for the former Chelsea academy graduate as they get their plans in place for the 2025/26 campaign. Guehi will be in the headlines one way or another this summer in regards to a transfer as he will enter the final year of his contract come July 1.
As Palace will not want to risk losing him for nothing if they cannot extend his current terms, a summer exit could be in the pipeline. Oliver Glasner's men certainly won't be short of options when it comes to their star defender but the £70million transfer fee that was mooted last summer will not be possible this time around due to the remaining 12 months on his contract.
Interested clubs could certainly strike a good deal for the England international if he is to exit Selhurst Park. What might work against Arsenal in the bid to sign Guehi is that Arteta has an established partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in defence.
That in turn would undoubtedly limit Guehi's chances of regular first-team football, something which he would be able to achieve at the other aforementioned clubs. The fact that it is also a World Cup year may not help Arsenal's cause as the defender needs to be playing week in, week out to ensure he is part of Thomas Tuchel's final squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
If Arsenal are to move for Guehi and he does indeed sign on the dotted line in north London, that would be a huge win for the Gunners over their transfer rivals. Firstly, it would highlight that the player is not scared of the competition at the club as trying to break up the partnership of Saliba, who will soon enter the final two years of his contract, and Gabriel is quite the challenge.
Secondly, it would show a belief in Arteta and Andrea Berta's Arsenal vision and that the club are the next step in the player's football journey. Amid the concerns over the level of Arsenal's backline dropping when one of Saliba or Gabriel are absent, that would certainly not be the case with Guehi at the club.
The Gunners will once again have a packed schedule in 2025/26 and the England man would allow Arteta to rotate his two main centre-backs when he sees fit. For Guehi, a move elsewhere may be more appealing ahead of a major tournament but the lure of Arsenal could be too hard to turn down.
Quite whether a deal for Guehi comes to fruition remains to be seen. If it does, on top of the potential additions of Zubimendi and one of Sesko or Gyokeres, it would be a real statement of intent from Arsenal in such a huge year for Arteta and the club.