Manchester City target immediate transfer for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are now considering the prospect of signing Crystal Palace and England international Marc Guehi this month, according to new developments.

The situation marks a notable shift in tone from the weekend, when Pep Guardiola publicly downplayed the likelihood of defensive investment during the January transfer window.

At that stage, City were still awaiting medical clarity on multiple fitness concerns, while internal discussions remained cautious amid an already congested schedule and ongoing attacking recruitment efforts.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea has altered the landscape, with City appearing on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike, only to be denied late on as Chelsea found an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Beyond the dropped points, the afternoon proved costly from a personnel perspective, with both Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias sustaining injuries that have intensified scrutiny on Manchester City’s defensive depth.

Guardiola admitted after the match that Gvardiol’s injury “doesn’t look good”, while also confirming that Dias felt something in the second half and was unable to continue. With John Stones already sidelined and Nathan Aké managing fitness issues, City’s centre-back options have rapidly thinned.

The club have already responded by recalling 20-year-old Max Alleyne from his loan at Championship side Watford, but further senior reinforcement is now firmly under consideration.

According to the information of BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, City are emerging as contenders to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi this month in light of injuries sustained by both Gvardiol and Dias against Chelsea.

It is explained while City will wait to discover full extent of aforementioned pair’s injuries before making a final decision on whether to proceed with interest in Guehi this month, interest in the Englishman has progressed and a move in January should not be discounted.

As for the stance taken by Crystal Palace, Selhurst Park officials would reportedly consider selling Guehi this month to avoid the scenario of losing their club captain for free upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.

Manchester City insiders had already indicated that a January approach for Marc Guehi would depend on player willingness, Crystal Palace’s openness to negotiations, and the severity of City’s defensive injury list – all factors now moving in a direction that favours urgent action.

From Palace’s perspective, the calculus is also shifting in that while they have repeatedly resisted interest in Guehi, the risk of losing a key asset without compensation has grown more acute, particularly with elite clubs circling ahead of the summer window.

For City, the coming days will be decisive and should medical assessments confirm extended absences for Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, a January move for Guehi could quickly accelerate.