Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly ready to move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi again, a year after being deterred by the Eagles' hefty price tag for their captain.
However, the Gunners are also said to be keen on securing a new contract for William Saliba, which could potentially complicate any deal for Guehi.
The 24-year-old England international has only a year left on his contract with Palace, making him significantly more affordable now than the reported £70million price tag that put Arsenal off last summer.
Despite this U-turn on Guehi, Arsenal are committed to retaining their defensive star Saliba for several more seasons. Consequently, the Three Lions player may not be eager to join a team with such a strong defensive duo as Saliba and Gabriel, given the potential lack of regular playing time.
With the World Cup looming next summer, Guehi will likely want to ensure he is at a club where he can play regularly – even if that means remaining at Palace, who are considering whether to sell if they cannot secure the former Chelsea man to 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 cover central and left-back positions.
Now, The Athletic claim that Arteta is once again interested in bringing an experienced centre-back into his squad. The report also added that Arsenal made a big push to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, before ultimately losing out to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
In the wake of this, attention has reportedly swung back to Guehi. It's understood that a queue of Premier League titans including Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and his former club Chelsea have been keeping tabs on him.
Yet, due to a 20 per cent sell-on clause inserted by Chelsea after Guehi came through their ranks, Crystal Palace have reportedly set an elevated asking price
There was recently cause for celebration at the Emirates as Brazilian star Gabriel pledged his allegiance for another four years. Discussions are also underway with Saliba as Arsenal look to secure his services beyond the upcoming two years left on his current deal.
In the corridors of power at Arsenal, there's confidence that despite Real Madrid’s interest, Saliba's commitment lies at the Emirates.
"I'm really happy here," expressed the defender. "I've been here for two years-and-a-half as well. There is nothing. I'm happy here and I want to continue here."
Amid speculation over his own future post-Crystal Palace’s cup triumph, Guehi said: "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 willingness to keep Saliba could be a key factor in Guehi's decision, with clubs like Newcastle potentially offering more playing time. Regardless, it seems Palace are already planning for life without their skipper, who could depart this summer for a fee in the region of £40m-£45m.
It has been reported that Palace have identified Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande as a potential replacement. Arsenal were also rumoured to be interested, but over the weekend it was suggested that Palace are preparing a £45m bid for the Ivory Coast international.