Exclusive: Arsenal outline plan to sign Marc Guehi

Steve Kay

Updated: 13 Jan 2026 06:58 CST
3 min read

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on a free transfer this summer, FootballTransfers has been told.

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The England international is into the final six months of his current contract at Selhurst Park and a successful five-year stint with the south London outfit will come to an end in 2026.

Guehi was on the verge of completing a move to Liverpool on Transfer Deadline Day last summer, but the deal eventually failed to materialise and Arne Slot’s side now face significant competition for his signature.

We can confirm that Manchester City are in talks over a January deal for the 25-year-old, amid a defensive injury crisis at the Etihad Stadium, while Arsenal have also rekindled their interest in the former Chelsea academy star.

The Gunners already have a number of top-quality defensive options at their disposal, however we have been told that Arteta views the opportunity to land Guehi on a Bosman deal this summer as one that is too good to turn down.

Arsenal see a possible transfer as a huge market opportunity and they are therefore eager to compete for Guehi’s signature this summer if a January move doesn’t happen.

Arsenal ready to battle for Marc Guehi

FootballTransfers has also been informed that Guehi’s potential arrival wouldn’t affect the futures of any current Arsenal players.

Sources have explained that the club’s long-term plan is for Myles Lewis-Skelly to return to his natural position in midfield, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie competing for the left-back berth.

Arteta then wants to bring in Guehi to battle with Gabriel Magalhaes for a starting position as the left centre-back, with William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera in contention for the other central defensive spot.

In addition to Guehi, we have also been told that Arsenal are monitoring the development of Newcastle United right-back Valentino Livramento ahead of a potential swoop this summer.

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