Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi and are ready to enter the race to sign him.
It’s not yet entirely clear whether the Gunners will make a move for Guehi now or wait until he becomes a free agent in the summer, but there appears to be genuine interest.
Manchester City are thought to be the frontrunners to sign the England international in January, but the Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal will also join the likes of Liverpool as potential suitors for the player.
According to reports, Gehi was particularly close to joining Liverpool in the summer, but is now Man City’s top target to find cover for injured defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Do Arsenal really need to sign Marc Gehi?
However, it has to be said that it is difficult to see why they would need to sign Guehi, given that Arsenal already have incredible strength in the depth of their defense.
Mikel Arteta has one of the best centre-back combinations in world football in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, while also having very capable back-up options in Piero Hincapie and Cristian Mosquera, as well as versatile players such as Riccardo Calafioli, Julian Timber and Ben White who can also fill in the gaps.
There is no doubt that Guehi will only leave Palace to join his first-choice club, but that seems more likely to be City or Liverpool than Arsenal.
How will Guehi’s transfer affect the title race?
Arsenal are considering a move for Guehi and could be eyeing a title challenge with City.
AFC could move eight points clear of Josep Guardiola’s side with a win against Liverpool this evening, and a signing like Guehi could change the equation.
If City have to go through this difficult period without two key defenders, they will certainly drop further points, but having a top performer like Guehi could help them stay in the race.
Arsenal probably feel they have room for Guehi and the added bonus of keeping him away from the Etihad Stadium could make the deal well worth it.
