Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on where Arsenal stand in the chase for one summer target.
Arsenal will look to bolster their squad in several key areas in the upcoming summer transfer window.
There will be incomings and outgoings at the Emirates Stadium. Thirteen players have been tipped to leave Arsenal at the end of this season.
Arsenal have also been linked with a host of strikers. On top of that, Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield contingent. Mohamed Elneny is set to depart as a free agent, Thomas Partey cannot be relied upon to stay fit, and whilst Jorginho has been offered a new contract, he is in the twilight years of his career. Arsenal are now eyeing up a move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.
Fabrizio Romano provides update on Arsenal interest in Marc Guehi
There is also work to be done at the back. Arsenal are expected to sign two goalkeepers this summer, and lack strength in depth in the heart of their rearguard. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are an elite centre-back pairing, but cover beyond them is thin on the ground.
Jakub Kiwior is relatively untested in that position as an Arsenal player, and is regularly required to fill in at full-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu also gets most of his game time in the wide areas and has a terrible fitness record. There is certainly room in Arteta’s squad for a new centre-back.
As such, according to Fabrizio Romano, as quoted by Caught Offside, Arsenal are keen to securing the services of Marc Guehi.
The reporter said “Some fans have asked me again about Marc Guehi, who was in superb form for Crystal Palace before his injury. The latest reports involve interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
“Guehi has concrete chances to leave Crystal Palace this summer. I can’t confirm clubs yet, as it’s still really early – the interest is there from several clubs, but it’s nothing really concrete yet.”
Why Arsenal should push to sign Marc Guehi
Guehi is currently plying his trade for Crystal Palace. Whilst the second half of his season has been decimated by injury, the 23-year-old has consistently impressed for the South London club in recent seasons.
When Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira was at the helm at Selhurst Park, he talked up Guehi, tipping him for a big future in the game, as reported by The Athletic.
The 9-cap England international’s potential is obvious. He is technically secure, brilliant on the ball, powerfully built, fast, composed, and a smart reader of the game. In short, he is every inch the modern centre-back, with his best years still ahead of him, but he also already has plenty of top flight experience under his belt.
Such a player won’t come cheap, though, and as such the Eagles have put a £50 million price tag on Guehi, as reported by The Telegraph. If the Gunners can strike a deal for the defender, though, then he would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s ranks and would certainly strengthen Arsenal’s options.