Liverpool could face a major obstacle in their bid to bring Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to Anfield, and it's a direct result of rivals Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot's pursuit of Marc Guehi may have hit a snag thanks to Arsenal
Liverpool's pursuit of Marc Guehi could hit a snag due to Eberechi Eze's recent move to Arsenal, it's been claimed. England star Eze completed his switch from Crystal Palace to the Gunners on Saturday in a deal that could reach £67.5million.
Palace skipper Guehi is also on the radar for an exit from Selhurst Park, with Liverpool showing keen interest in the defender throughout the summer. The 25-year-old is in the last year of his contract with the Eagles and has declined to commit to new terms.
The situation could see him leave for a reduced fee of £35m before next Monday's transfer deadline if Palace allow it. While Liverpool are hot on his trail, Manchester City are also believed to be weighing up a bid for Guehi if Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake depart this week.
However, former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster thinks that Guehi might opt to stay at Palace long-term, potentially leveraging Eze's departure to negotiate a significant salary hike. Despite the attention from two top-flight giants, the ex-Watford and Wrexham shot-stopper reckons there's still a strong chance Guehi will extend his tenure with the Eagles.
Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Foster said: "I think the Eze deal might have played into Guehi's hands a little bit. He's got massive aspirations of going and signing for a big boy. If Liverpool come knocking, then you want to go to Liverpool.
"But then you might be worried about the deal getting done and how much it might cost, and whether Liverpool are prepared to stump up.
Marc Guehi
Liverpool's hopes of signing Marc Guehi could have been dealt a blow after Arsenal's move for Eberechi Eze
"It puts massive power into Marc Guehi's hands to say to Palace, 'I tell you what, give me £150,000 a week on a four-year deal and I'll sign and say that I am the happiest Crystal Palace player in the world.'
"That's what it does, and I've seen it plenty of times before. It wouldn't surprise me if that happened."
Guehi's future is currently up in the air, with Palace reportedly hesitant to let the defender go before Thursday's second leg of their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad. Club chairman Steve Parish has clarified that they would consider letting him go for the right price this summer, rather than risk losing him for free next year.
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Palace are said to be eyeing Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot as a potential replacement for Guehi. Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on the 19-year-old's situation.
Canvot's potential signing could trigger a domino effect, leading to Guehi's departure. Palace are holding out for a fee of £45m for him, while Liverpool are reluctant to go over £35m for the player.
City's interest could spark a scenario similar to Eze's move to Arsenal, where the Gunners pipped rivals Tottenham to secure his signature. Guehi has become a hot property following his standout defensive displays for Palace over the last two seasons.
He also played a crucial part in clinching the Eagles' maiden FA Cup trophy back in May. Guehi could now be on the verge of a transfer to one of two Champions League clubs, should his departure be sanctioned.