Manchester City are willing to meet Crystal Palace’s full financial demands for defender Marc Guehi in the January transfer window, according to The Independent.
With interest in the England international growing across Europe, City have decided they cannot wait until the summer and are ready to move aggressively to beat their rivals to his signature.
Gehi has emerged as one of the most coveted centre-backs on the market, attracting strong interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Several elite clubs have been linked to pitch a long-term project for the 25-year-old defender as his contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season.
However, the situation at Manchester City has made the race even more tense.
Manchester City are facing an injury crisis
Josep Guardiola’s side are currently struggling with injuries to main centre-backs Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, leaving them without them at a crucial stage of the season.
As a result, club leaders have decided to act now, even if it means paying a premium for a player who could have been signed on a free transfer in the summer.
Crystal Palace are firmly committed to Gehi’s valuation, recognizing his soaring value and widespread demand.
Financially, it would make sense to sell Gehi in the winter transfer window, as they would immediately be able to get a transfer fee for a free player.
They wanted to keep him until the end of the season, but it doesn’t make sense for them as far as finances are concerned.
Guardiola’s side face fierce competition to sign Gehi
Rivals Liverpool and Arsenal have been tracking the player for several months and are thought to be hoping for a summer move.
Bayern Munich see him as a key target in their defensive rebuild, while Real Madrid are considering future additions to shore up their aging backline.
Gehi himself is taking time to assess his options, with Champions League football, guaranteed minutes, tactical suitability and the direction of the long-term project all factoring into his decision.
Coupled with the chance to work under Guardiola, an offer for an immediate spot in City’s first team could be hard to refuse.
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