Manchester City hold Marc Guehi transfer confidence amid threat from new Premier League suitor | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are ‘confident’ of winning the race to sign Marc Guehi by doing a deal this month, as a direct Premier League rival emerges in the race.

City’s defensive injury crisis has acted as the catalyst for renewed urgency, with Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias both sidelined for extended periods of time and Pep Guardiola left short of senior centre-back options at a crucial point in the season.

While Guardiola publicly attempted to downplay the likelihood of January reinforcements, City’s internal position has continued to evolve by recalling Max Alleyne from loan and weighing up whether the situation requires more decisive moves as Marc Guehi remains top of a shortlist.

City’s long-standing admiration for the Crystal Palace captain has been well documented, monitoring the England international for several seasons, and his contract situation only sharpening the club’s focus.

Although Palace have repeatedly stressed their desire to keep Marc Guehi, manager Oliver Glasner has acknowledged that a sufficiently large offer combined with player intent would force a reassessment.

Now, according to a new report from The Mirror’s Jeremy Cross, City are confident of securing a £30 million deal in the coming days for the Crystal Palace centre-back, while the England international centre-back is also said to be keen to play for Guardiola.

However, a follow-up report from The Mirror’s John Cross has revealed Arsenal are now ready to enter the race for Guehi, although it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to make a bid this month or wait until the summer for a free transfer.

The emergence of Arsenal adds a fresh layer of complexity, although the are not currently facing the same level of injury disruption as Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff at the Etihad Stadium. As such, that could make a January approach less urgent for the north London club, strengthening City’s hand if Palace are determined to secure a fee this month.

From City’s perspective, confidence appears to stem from a willingness to negotiate a January fee, Guehi’s reported openness to the move, and Palace’s growing acceptance that losing their captain for free in the summer would represent a difficult financial decision.

Nevertheless, Crystal Palace’s resolve should not be underestimated, with chairman Steve Parish having previously shown a willingness to hold firm in negotiations, and the club may yet attempt to drive the price higher if competition intensifies.