Atletico Madrid join race for sought-after defender Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign highly sought-after free agent Marc Guehi next summer (h/t Marca).

The English centre-back’s contract at Crystal Palace expires at the end of the season, and the Eagles have confirmed that he will not sign an extension.

As a result, Guehi can sign a pre-agreement with the clubs outside England in January.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are among the European heavyweights monitoring him keenly ahead of a potential Bosman transfer.

Atletico have now thrown their hat in the ring for Guehi to bolster their backline and build a strong squad capable of winning silverware.

Los Rojiblancos currently boast Robin Le Normand, Jose Gimenez, David Hancko and Clement Lenglet as centre-back options.

Guehi’s addition would raise the bar at Atletico’s defence, and he can spearhead it for the foreseeable future.

The 25-year-old is a complete defender who stands out for his ball-playing, defensive solidity, and athleticism.

Following the takeover of Apollo Sports Capital, Atletico are expected to show more ambition in the transfer market.

Diego Simeone’s side have struggled to break the hegemony of Barca and Real in La Liga since 2021. They have also not won a major title after that.

The new American owners will aim to revolutionise the squad and transform them into a European juggernaut.

Guehi wants to be part of a winning project and a team that regularly plays in the Champions League. Atletico will be a great fit for the Three Lions star.

However, Atletico will have to fend off competition from their arch-rivals Real, who have also lined up Guehi as a top target for next summer.

With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger facing uncertain futures due to the expiry of their contracts next summer, Los Blancos want to recruit a high-profile centre-back.

Barca have also expressed their interest in Guehi, but their FFP issues could complicate their chances.

Meanwhile, Bayern have identified Guehi as a potential alternative for Dayot Upamecano if the Frenchman opts against a new deal.