Arsenal seek to scupper £65m deal that Liverpool are 'super confident' on

Arsenal are ready to make a late move for Liverpool target Marc Guehi

According to the Express, Arsenal are preparing to use Eddie Nketiah as a bargaining chip in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi amidst Liverpool interest. Following his impressive performances for England at Euro 2024, Guehi has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United. Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defence this summer and has identified the 24-year-old as a prime target.

To balance their books and negotiate down Palace’s £65 million valuation, Arsenal are exploring a cash-plus-player deal involving Nketiah. The 25-year-old striker, who is considered surplus to requirements at the Emirates, has garnered interest from Palace, who would welcome him at Selhurst Park. Despite this, Palace executives are not rushing to decide on Guehi’s future, as the defender’s current deal includes a significant sell-on clause from his transfer from Chelsea in 2021.

Arsenal are ready to make a late move for Liverpool target Marc Guehi.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is also keen on signing Guehi as a replacement for Joel Matip. The Reds have already held talks with Crystal Palace to understand the conditions of a deal. As things stand, the Reds are ‘super confident’ that Guehi is interested in a switch to Anfield, and they have received positive signals from the player.

Liverpool are eager to move quickly on a deal for Guehi now that his international duties are over. The club is aware of the high level of interest in the defender, with Chelsea and Manchester United also considering him. Despite Crystal Palace’s high asking price, Liverpool appear willing to meet this valuation to secure the 24-year-old’s services. Whether this is because of the uncertainty regarding Virgil van Dijk remains to be seen.

Crystal Palace are keen to retain their key players as manager Oliver Glasner plans for his first full season. With Michael Olise having moved to Bayern Munich and Eberechi Eze also attracting interest from top clubs, losing another star player like Guehi could be a significant blow. However, the financial boost from a potential deal could provide Palace with the resources to strengthen their squad further.

Arsenal have enhanced their standing in recent years and have built a formidable side based on defensive solidarity. It thus comes as no surprise that Areta is eyeing Guehi. The Gunners were also linked with Riccardo Calafiori and are closing in on his signature. Whether landing him will free up the race for Liverpool to move for Guehi remains to be seen.

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Liverpool and Arsenal are once again preparing to push Machester City for the Premier League title next season. The former two might be warming up for it with their pursuit of Guehi this summer. Which side comes out on top remains to be seen.