Arsenal Considering Adding Funds to Secure Marc Guehi Transfer
Arsenal is reportedly looking to bolster their defensive options this summer by targeting Crystal Palace’s highly-rated center-back Marc Guehi. The Gunners have faced competition from several Premier League rivals, including Manchester United and Liverpool, who have also shown interest in the England international.
Guehi’s impressive form under Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, which saw him earn a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, has significantly raised his profile. With Harry Maguire sidelined due to injury, Guehi seized the opportunity to help lead the Three Lions to the tournament final, further cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s top defensive prospects.
Crystal Palace has set a substantial price tag of £70 million for Guehi, a figure that reflects his potential and importance to the team. However, Arsenal is determined to secure the 23-year-old’s services to strengthen their defensive line, which has faced challenges in recent seasons.
To facilitate the deal, Arsenal may need to add significant funds to their transfer budget. One potential source of this additional funding is the sale of Emile Smith Rowe. The young midfielder has struggled for regular game time at the Emirates Stadium, with players like Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of him in the pecking order. Despite his potential, Smith Rowe finds himself surplus to requirements and has been linked with moves to Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Arsenal has set a minimum asking price of £35 million for Smith Rowe, who is under contract for another two years. Selling the midfielder could provide the necessary funds to meet Crystal Palace’s valuation of Guehi. Furthermore, any deal involving Guehi must consider Chelsea’s sell-on clause, which entitles the Blues to 20 percent of any profit made from the defender’s sale.
This clause adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations, as Crystal Palace will aim to maximize their return while Arsenal must ensure they have sufficient financial resources to cover both the transfer fee and the sell-on clause obligations.
In summary, Arsenal is keen to add Marc Guehi to their squad to enhance their defensive capabilities. By potentially offloading Emile Smith Rowe and using the proceeds to meet Crystal Palace’s £70 million asking price, the Gunners hope to navigate the competitive transfer market and secure one of the Premier League’s most promising center-backs.
