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Slot wants another defender | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool are said to be pushing for a big-money deal as they prepare to face Arsenal this weekend.
Both sides have spent big to improve their respective squads this summer, and the spending may not be done, with Arsenal and Liverpool both reportedly looking to strengthen their respective defences.
Arsenal are said to be in for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie, and Liverpool are said to be working on a deal for Palace star Marc Guehi, who is out of contract at the end of this season and likely available for a reduced price as a result.
Speaking about Liverpool’s attempts to land the England international, journalist Pete O’Rourke has reported that there is a deal to be done at a ‘suitable’ price.
“Liverpool have been having talks with Crystal Palace,” he told Football Insider. “There’s been a few offers, but they haven’t yet met Palace’s valuation, there’s been a bit of to and forth between the two clubs.
“Palace have been keen to keep hold of Guehi for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off game against Fredrikstad. Now that they’ve safely negotiated that, they’re prepared to let Guehi move on if a suitable offer does come in for him.
“Now it will depend on whether Liverpool are prepared to meet their valuation. They have been hoping the £35-40million valuation would lower, with Palace in a difficult position. It’s still up in the air at the minute, but talks are ongoing between the two clubs to see if something can be resolved.”
Palace boss Oliver Glasner said on Thursday: “Everybody can see how many players we have available. Everybody can see how important Marc is, honestly, I don't know, but I really deeply hope Marc will play for us at Villa Park.“I deeply hope that Marc will play until the end of the season for us.”
Guehi has been vital for Palace, but there is a business reality to the situation, and unless the defender is willing to sign a new contract, they will be faced with the option of taking tens of millions this summer of losing him for nothing next summer. Few clubs can afford to lose such a valuable player for nothing, even at the risk of a departure reducing their chances of success this season.
Liverpool are preparing for the potential departure of Ibrahima Konate next summer, with the centre-back out of contract, and Guehi will be seen as a clear upgrade. Fortunately for Arsenal, though, the Guehi deal is not likely to be done before Sunday’s game, and even if it is, it is unlikely the England international will be in position to play so soon.
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