Report: European Giants have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace star | OneFootball

Marc Guehi Transfer Battle Heats Up

Credit to TeamTalk for the original reporting that set the stage for one of January’s most intriguing storylines. Marc Guehi, a cornerstone of Crystal Palace and mainstay for England, has once again become the centre of European attention. Inter Milan are pushing early, yet patience and strategy are shaping this chase, as elite clubs circle with intent.

According to TeamTalk, “TEAMtalk has been told that Guehi is very open-minded about where he moves next, and will consider options outside of England.” That open outlook, combined with his refusal to renew his Palace contract, has ignited an eight club scramble that spans England and mainland Europe.

This stems from the failed move to Liverpool in the summer, a moment that could have derailed lesser professionals. Instead, as TeamTalk put it, “Guehi has remained focused and professional this season after his transfer to Liverpool fell through.” His composure on and off the pitch has only strengthened his market position.

Photo: IMAGO

Inter Milan Testing Waters Early

Inter’s plan appears cautious yet ambitious. Sources relayed that “Inter Milan are seriously looking at Marc Guehi, but will leave the race for his signature if they do not get promising early indications that he wants to play for them.” They sense an opening, given expiring contracts for several experienced defenders.

Their interest was flagged months ago and TeamTalk reminded us that “everyone is crazy for Guehi” at Inter. With Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian all out of contract in June, this pursuit has clear logic. Inter are ready to move now, but they want reassurance before fully entering the fight, even considering a swap proposal to tempt Palace.

Yet this could be a long play. TeamTalk highlighted that “Guehi’s preference is to move for free at the end of the season.” A shrewd stance, offering the defender significant leverage in negotiating terms and destination.

Premier League Rivals Watch Closely

Among English clubs, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle have monitored developments. Manchester United have also been linked, with TeamTalk noting talk that “Manchester United were also ready to enter the race to sign Guehi, feeling the 25-year-old would be perfect for their system.”

Liverpool were once frontrunners, but the landscape shifted after the failed summer bid. Some within the game believe Spain could be his next stage, with Real Madrid reportedly confident. As TeamTalk reported, “there is now confidence from Real Madrid that they can win the race for the England defender.” Bayern Munich and Barcelona also remain attentive.

What Next For Palace And Guehi

Crystal Palace face an unenviable situation, having nurtured and showcased a defender whose value continues to escalate. Losing him for free would sting, yet forcing a January exit could have implications on performance and squad morale. The club must weigh sporting needs against financial considerations.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

From a Crystal Palace supporter perspective, this whole situation feels like standing on the Holmesdale Road end in the rain watching a star slowly drift toward the exit. Marc Guehi has been everything a Palace fan could ask for, calm with the ball, brave in the challenge and a leader in a side often forced to defend deep and grind results. To hear that “Guehi’s preference is to move for free at the end of the season” will divide supporters. Some will argue fair play, he stayed when the Liverpool move fell apart and has given everything. Others will feel the familiar sting, another top player ready to leave without the club receiving a fee to reinvest.

Inter, Madrid, Bayern, Spurs, Chelsea, United. When that calibre of club circles, it speaks volumes about how good he has become. It also signals just how hard Palace will find replacing him. This feels like the Wilfried Zaha cycle again, only this time the club might not even cash in. Hope will remain that Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have a plan, but fans will worry. The one thing everyone wants now is clarity. If he stays until summer, fine, but let there be honesty, commitment and respect both ways. And if a miracle happens and he signs again, SE25 will roar like never before.