Report: Arsenal to Beat Liverpool to £70m Premier League Star with Swap Deal | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Bold Move: Beating Liverpool in the Race for Marc Guehi

Swap Deal Strategy: A Clever Play?

In what could be termed as a strategic masterstroke, Arsenal are intensifying its pursuit to bring Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace centre-back, to the Emirates. This move involves a potential swap, offering Eddie Nketiah in return, as reported by Metro. Guehi, just 24, has gained considerable attention after his standout performances for England at Euro 2024, solidifying his status as one of the Premier League’s top defensive talents.

Guehi’s Rising Stock

Marc Guehi’s journey through Euro 2024 has been nothing short of phenomenal. Partnering with John Stones, he was a central figure in England’s defence, showcasing maturity and skill well beyond his years. With 17 caps now to his name, his international career looks set to flourish. His club career is equally impressive, being under contract with Palace until 2026, though they may be persuaded to part with him for around £70m. Metro suggests that with the strategic inclusion of Nketiah in the negotiations, Arsenal aims to lower this steep asking price.

Photo: IMAGO

Nketiah’s Uncertain Future

Eddie Nketiah’s role at Arsenal has become increasingly ambiguous. Despite earning his first England cap and being a regular under Mikel Arteta, he is reportedly considered surplus to requirements. His situation becomes more complex with reported interest from not just Crystal Palace, but also Marseille. This summer could be pivotal for Nketiah as he looks for a club where he can secure more consistent playing time and further his development.

Competition from Liverpool

Liverpool’s interest in Guehi complicates matters for Arsenal. Following Joel Matip’s departure, Liverpool are scouting for top-tier defensive talent to bolster their squad. However, Arsenal’s proactive approach in offering a player-plus-cash deal might just tilt the balance in their favour, especially considering Palace’s valuation of Guehi and their interest in Nketiah.

Crystal Palace’s Position

Crystal Palace is not in dire need to sell, having already bolstered their finances with the sale of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for £60m. They’ve also reinforced their backline with Chadi Riad, indicating they are preparing for potential departures. This positions them well in negotiations, potentially driving a hard bargain for Guehi.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, the prospect of signing Marc Guehi is an exhilarating one. His performances at Euro 2024 have shown he’s capable of competing at the highest level, and his partnership with John Stones could give us a glimpse of a solid defensive duo with Gabriel or William Saliba.

Guehi’s potential arrival at Arsenal would not just be a strategic win in strengthening the squad, but also a significant morale booster. It signifies the club’s ambition to build a team capable of challenging for top honours. The idea of acquiring a young, English talent with proven ability and significant potential to grow further is a testament to the club’s forward-thinking strategy.

This potential deal also highlights Arsenal’s clever use of assets. Utilizing Nketiah—a talented player but perhaps not a perfect fit for Arteta’s current setup—as a makeweight in this deal exemplifies smart management. For Arsenal fans, watching this unfold is thrilling; it’s a signal that the club is playing the transfer market with both strategy and ambition.

The prospect of beating Liverpool to the signing adds a layer of sweet victory to the scenario. It’s a reminder that Arsenal remains a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field. If this deal goes through, it could be one of the defining moments of the summer transfer window for Arsenal, cementing their reputation as shrewd negotiators and ambitious contenders.