According to reports, Arsenal are prepared to make an initial offer for Crystal Palace and England center-back Marc Guehi, which might result in seeing a significant drop in price on the player’s signing.
For the most part of the summer transfer season, the Gunners have been working to strengthen their defence. Their first objective was Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori, but the deal has moved slowly than what Mikel Arteta would have preferred.
Over the weekend, an agreement was eventually reached to purchase the 22-year-old, which would cost Arsenal around £40 million. The Italy international is anticipated to sign a five-year contract, having agreed on personal terms.
Even though the signing of Calafiori was successful, the Gunners have been linked with making a move for Guehi. Manchester United and Liverpool are among the teams interested in signing the England star, who was among the Three Lions’ greatest players at Euro 2024, if not the best.
Arsenal target Calafiori
The former Chelsea defender is valued at £70 million by Palace, and Mikel Arteta’s men are reportedly looking at methods to lower that amount.
Eddie Nketiah might be offered by the Gunners as part of a player-plus-cash deal that would see the striker relocate to south London, according to the Sunday Star, which was cited by The Daily Express. The 25-year-old had previously been linked to Palace, who are said to be among the suitors willing to give him regular playing time.
Marseille have expressed interest in Nketiah. Arsenal have reportedly started negotiating over a possible transfer. According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, the striker is eager to transfer to the Stade Velodrome,
Following the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille is nearing the £26.6 million transfer of Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and has already secured the signing of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. Sporting director Edu will surely insist for a substantial payment—ideally more than what Marseille paid for Greenwood—since Nketiah is a native academy star as well.
Arsenal appears to be exploring all possibilities despite the attention from France. The amount they would have to spend to lure Guehi to the Emirates Stadium would be less if Nketiah was involved, but leaving for Marseille may result in them banking to £30 million.
Following an outstanding loan period, the Gunners secured nearly £30m for Folarin Balogun last summer. The £40 million Liverpool paid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain over seven years ago remains their highest selling.
