Inter Milan have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace star – Report | OneFootball

Inter’s Eyes on Marc Guehi Sparks European Tug of War

Credit to Gazzetta dello Sport, who outlined Inter Milan’s growing urgency for defensive reinforcements, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi emerging as the headline target. The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza hierarchy is preparing for ageing departures and expiring contracts, and their sights are firmly set on a centre back who feels increasingly ready for elite European competition.

Guehi’s Future Takes Centre Stage

Gazzetta explained that “the name most popular is Marc Guehi, 25, a Crystal Palace center-back, whose contract also expires next June” and Inter would ideally secure him for no fee. However, that scenario feels ambitious given the level of interest. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are serious admirers and the article reminded that Liverpool “were very close to signing him in the summer”.

The report added “he has chosen not to renew his contract”, a decision that has opened the door to what many inside the Premier League regard as a premium defender entering his peak. Palace’s centre piece at the back since 2021, Guehi’s blend of recovery pace, aerial dominance and composure in possession has quietly developed him into one of the division’s most reliable defenders.

There is also the suggestion of creativity in negotiations, with Gazzetta writing Inter could “bring forward his arrival in Italy to January, perhaps aiming for a larger deal that would include Bisseck”. Palace, however, are not known for rolling over in the market and a mid-season departure would only happen at significant value.

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Interest from Barcelona and Bayern underscores Guehi’s rise. Competing against such heavyweights for a soon-to-be free agent is daunting for Inter. As one executive source close to Italian recruitment believes “the only way to beat the English clubs is to move early, not wait for June”.

Given Palace’s strong stance historically and their Premier League survival ambitions, the chances of a January exit remain uncertain. Yet the intent from Milan is clear.

Defensive Refresh Essential for Inter

Inter’s defensive core has long been admired, though Gazzetta highlighted age and expiring deals forcing forward planning. Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi are both out of contract in 2026, Matteo Darmian will soon be free to negotiate, and depth pieces are at differing stages of development.

Among all listed options, Guehi is the headline act and the one likely to attract the fiercest bidding. If Inter pull this off early, it would be a coup. If they wait until summer, the Premier League sharks are circling.

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From a Crystal Palace perspective, this report is both flattering and mildly unsettling. Marc Guehi has become the beating heart of Glasner’s defensive structure, the calm presence who bridges youth promise and Premier League experience. You do not replace leadership like his in January without consequences.

Fans will know Palace have always been firm negotiators. Wilfried Zaha stayed year after year despite rumbling speculation and this situation feels similar. Unless a Champions League powerhouse lands with a huge bid, Guehi leaving mid-season feels unlikely. Keeping him until the summer protects both stability and market value.

However, if Palace cannot convince him to extend, the club face a crossroads. Sell in January and reinvest quickly or hold to June and risk losing leverage in a crowded race. Supporters will watch closely for signs of resolve from the board. If Guehi does move, fans will expect a marquee defensive signing and ideally one with immediate impact, not a developmental project.

For now, Palace should enjoy having one of English football’s most dependable defenders, and trust in the club’s position. If Inter want him, they need to prove it financially. Anything less and Selhurst Park will keep its jewel for the run-in.