Arsenal are reportedly positioning themselves strongly in the race to sign Crystal Palace captain and England international centre-back Marc Guehi, a move that could see them snatch the highly-rated defender ahead of fierce competition from several top Premier League rivals, including Liverpool, Manchester City (often grouped with the “big six” alongside Chelsea and Manchester United in transfer battles), and potentially others like Chelsea in broader defensive interest discussions.
As of mid-January 2026, with the winter transfer window in full swing, Guehi has emerged as one of the most sought-after defensive talents available. His contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the 2025/26 season on June 30, meaning he could be available on a free transfer in the summer. However, multiple reports indicate that clubs are exploring options for a January move to secure him immediately, especially amid defensive crises at various teams.
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League title race under Mikel Arteta, have long-held interest in Guehi and are now seen as genuine front-runners. Sources close to the situation, including insights from reliable journalists like David Ornstein of The Athletic, suggest that the Gunners remain in contact with the player’s camp and are discussing a potential deal—likely prioritizing a summer switch but open to accelerating if circumstances align. Guehi is said to favor a move to Arsenal or Liverpool over other suitors, giving the north London club a significant edge in personal preference terms.
This preference is a major boost for Arsenal, as it could allow them to “hijack” or outmaneuver rivals. Liverpool have a well-documented history with Guehi; last summer, a £35 million deal from Anfield collapsed at the eleventh hour when Crystal Palace dramatically pulled out, leaving bad blood and unfinished business. The Reds are expected to revive their pursuit in the summer when no fee would be required, but they might push for a January addition following injuries, such as the season-ending knee problem suffered by Conor Bradley.
Manchester City, facing their own defensive injury woes (including issues with Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias), have been heavily linked and are reportedly determined to secure Guehi this month despite the complications. City view him as a priority to bolster their backline immediately. Bayern Munich have also entered the fray, with their sporting director contacting Guehi’s agent in an effort to lure the 25-year-old to the Bundesliga, potentially complicating matters further.
While Chelsea and Manchester United are not always directly named in the Guehi race in every report, the broader transfer landscape shows intense competition for top English defenders. Chelsea have been exploring centre-back options amid their own squad reshaping under new management (Liam Rosenior), with interest in younger profiles and past links to similar talents. Manchester United, navigating their own managerial transition (with Michael Carrick appointed interim after recent changes), have targeted reinforcements in defense and midfield, though their focus has leaned toward players like Murillo from Nottingham Forest or others in that bracket.
Guehi’s profile makes him an ideal fit for Arsenal: an accomplished Premier League centre-back with strong ball-playing ability, leadership qualities (as Palace captain), and international experience with England. At 25, he represents a long-term investment who could complement William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, providing depth and competition in a defense that has occasionally been tested by injuries. Arteta’s side has shown defensive solidity this season, sitting atop the table, but adding a player of Guehi’s caliber could be the final piece in pushing for silverware.
Crystal Palace are naturally reluctant to lose their skipper mid-season without significant compensation, and any January deal would likely command a fee in the £50-60 million range (or higher), given his quality and contract situation. If no agreement is reached now, the summer free-agent scenario becomes more likely, though that risks a bidding war intensifying.
This potential transfer underscores Arsenal’s ambitious approach in the market, aiming to strengthen key areas while maintaining their title challenge. It also highlights the cut-throat nature of Premier League recruitment, where top talents like Guehi attract interest from multiple elite clubs, often leading to dramatic twists.
Other Arsenal links in the window include enquiries for talents like Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, Brazilian midfielder Breno Bidon, and even bold approaches for stars like Vinicius Jr (amid swap rumors involving Gabriel Martinelli), but the Guehi pursuit stands out as the most concrete and competitive battle involving direct rivals like Liverpool and indirect ones like Chelsea/Man Utd in the defensive market.
As the window progresses toward its late-January close, expect further developments—Arsenal could yet pull off a stunning coup if they capitalize on Guehi’s reported preference and their strong negotiating position. For now, the Gunners appear best placed to secure a player who could prove transformative at the back. (Word count: 852).
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