£40m Defender has Turned Down Arsenal in Favour of Joining Liverpool | OneFootball

Marc Guehi Transfer Latest: Liverpool Poised to Pounce as Arsenal Rebuffed

Liverpool’s summer plans may be set for a timely boost following reports that Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi is likely to reject a move to Arsenal. According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool remain admirers of the 23-year-old defender and are now keeping close tabs on the situation as it unfolds.

The report suggests: “Marc Guehi is prepared to turn down a move to Arsenal this summer, putting Liverpool on high alert over a move for the Crystal Palace defender.” That line will no doubt perk the ears of Reds fans, particularly with the news that promising youngster Jarell Quansah is edging closer to a move to Bayer Leverkusen, believed to be in the region of £34 million.

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Guehi’s Appeal to Top Clubs

Guehi has established himself as one of the most consistent centre-backs in the Premier League over the last two seasons. His leadership, composure on the ball and ability to defend both high up the pitch and in deep blocks make him a rare breed in today’s game and he could be available for around £40million.

He was one of Crystal Palace’s standout performers during their strong finish to the 2024–25 campaign. Now, with his future at Selhurst Park uncertain, the England international is understandably drawing interest from the division’s elite.

Liverpool’s need is immediate, with Quansah’s expected departure creating a vacancy in central defence. Joel Matip’s exit at the end of last season and Ibrahima Konaté’s inconsistent fitness have only heightened the need for reinforcements.

Timing Could Be Crucial

Liverpool have acted decisively in recent transfer windows and under Arne Slot, there’s no suggestion that will change. Guehi fits the club’s profile perfectly: Premier League proven, young with international experience, and tactically adaptable.

Sky Sports’ confirmation that Arsenal may be out of the race is a crucial development. Whether it is financial reasons, tactical preferences or squad guarantees that have caused Guehi to hesitate over the Emirates move, it opens the door wide for Liverpool to make their move.

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While Palace will no doubt command a significant fee, Liverpool’s recent success and the lure of Champions League football may tip the balance. Guehi, under Slot’s proactive defensive style, could thrive.

Quansah Exit Adds Urgency

Liverpool’s sale of Jarell Quansah, a homegrown talent and one of last season’s breakthrough stars, underscores just how vital a signing like Guehi could become. A £34 million deal with Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly “close to being agreed”, and while it may make financial sense, it leaves a vacuum in both youth presence and defensive depth.

If Liverpool are to challenge again next season, adding a player of Guehi’s calibre is not optional, it is essential.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This news is exactly what we were waiting for. Guehi rejecting Arsenal feels like a massive win already and he hasn’t even put pen to paper for us yet. With Quansah on his way out, this move has to happen, no questions asked.

Marc Guehi has everything we want in a modern centre-back. He’s calm, aggressive when needed and great on the ball. He reminds me a bit of Van Dijk in his early Southampton days. Add in his Premier League experience and you’ve got a ready-made replacement or even partner for Virgil.

And let’s be honest, with Arne Slot in charge and after winning the title in his first season, Liverpool have never been more attractive. If we can get this deal done early in the window, it’ll set the tone for the rest of the summer. Guehi in red? Yes please.

Fans will rightly be excited. This feels like a move that strengthens our defence and signals our intent. It’s not just about replacing Quansah, it’s about building a defence ready for another title push.