Liverpool's swoop for Marc Guehi could hinge on whether Crystal Palace can find a replacement, but the player they've identified has also been of interest to Arsenal this summer
Liverpool manager Arne Slot puts his hand to his head
Arne Slot could be denied the chance to link up with Marc Guehi if Palace fail to find a replacement
(Image: Getty)
Liverpool's move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be impacted if Arsenal decide to swoop for young French star Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old is reportedly the player that Palace are considering as a replacement for England international Guehi.
Palace are open to selling Guehi this summer. The 25-year-old, who appeared to have a minor spat with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner this weekend, is into the final 12 months of his contract.
The two clubs have been in talks over a deal to take the player to Anfield but there is believed to be a £10million difference in Guehi's valuation. Rumours suggest Liverpool are willing to offer £35m, yet Palace are insisting on £45m, despite the risk of the club losing him for free next summer.
As with the ongoing Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga, and in a summer dictated by the domino effect of clubs needing to bring players in before sanctioning outgoings, it's thought that Palace will want to tie down a replacement before Guehi departs.
This is due to how little time there is left in the transfer window and with Palace's system requiring three central defenders at the back. Guehi was in the starting line-up for the Eagles' 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, but they reportedly have a contingency in the form of Rennes star Jacquet.
However, Arsenal also registered their interest in the young Frenchman earlier in the summer. If Palace were to act on their interest in Jacquet, as reported by The Independent, then Arsenal's hand could be forced, resulting in Palace possibly losing their replacement and having to keep Guehi at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi looks on
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi could be on his way to Anfield this summer
While Arsenal were thought to be earmarking Jacquet for next season, there is a reality where the Gunners secure him now, amid Palace's interest, and loan him back to France, just as they did with William Saliba. He had three loan spells in his home country before becoming a regular for Mikel Arteta and one of the Premier League's most reliable defenders.
The 20-year-old Jacquet is the latest French starlet to emerge from the Bondy region of Paris, which has given way to talents such as Kylian Mbappe over the years. Arsenal could consider the young centre-back as defensive cover should Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Another sticking point in Guehi making a move to Anfield is Rennes' insistence that Jacquet, who signed a new contract back in May, is not for sale this summer. The French club reportedly consider him to be an important player for the future and hope he can continue his development in Ligue 1.
Jeremy Jacquet has been linked with a move to Arsenal
Jeremy Jacquet has been linked with a move to Arsenal
Speaking on the futures of Guehi and Eberechi Eze, who is closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur, Glasner claimed his players are currently committed to the south London club.
“Ebs and Marc, there has been a lot of noise about these two players in the last week,” he said to Match of the Day. “Everyone could see the performances against Liverpool and today, they were 100 per cent aligned with this team and Crystal Palace."
Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly waiting on Newcastle to recruit a centre-forward before returning with a second bid for Isak. Brentford's Yoane Wissa is thought to be a primary target for Eddie Howe, but the Bees are blocking a move as they bid to sign reinforcements before letting him leave.