Marc Guehi transfer favourite emerges as Manchester City move ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool

Manchester City have moved into pole position in the race to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, with Arsenal and Liverpool both reluctant to pursue a deal during the January transfer window.

While several top Premier League clubs admire the England defender, City appear to be the only side prepared to act immediately, giving them a clear advantage as Palace face a crucial decision over their skipper’s future.

Manchester City ready to act while rivals wait

Guehi has become one of the most sought-after defenders in English football after several impressive seasons at Selhurst Park. The 25-year-old has less than six months remaining on his Palace contract and is not expected to agree to an extension.

That situation has placed Palace under growing pressure, with January representing their final realistic opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain.

Manchester City are willing to explore a deal this month and are prepared to move decisively. Their readiness to negotiate now, rather than wait until the summer, could leave them unchallenged in convincing Guehi to leave south London early.

Arsenal and Liverpool delay January move

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have tracked Guehi for some time but are unlikely to make a formal approach during the current window.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool have judged a January move as unrealistic due to the financial demands involved. With Guehi approaching free agency, any mid-season transfer would require a substantial fee, alongside the player’s entitlement to a sizeable signing-on bonus.

Instead, Liverpool are expected to revisit their interest in the summer, when they may also need to address uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future.

Arsenal’s stance is similar. The Gunners hold long-term admiration for Guehi but are not planning to pursue a January deal. Like Liverpool, they would prefer to wait until the defender becomes a free agent rather than negotiate with Palace mid-season.

Palace facing last chance to cash in

Crystal Palace had previously agreed a deal worth around £35 million to sell Guehi to Liverpool last summer, only for the move to collapse at the final stage. That late change of direction now looks costly, with the defender closer than ever to leaving without a fee.

Unless Palace can convince Guehi to change his stance on a contract renewal, January stands as their final opportunity to monetise one of their most valuable assets.

City’s willingness to negotiate now places them in a strong position, particularly as other interested clubs delay their plans.

City prioritising defensive reinforcement

Manchester City’s interest in Guehi comes as they look to strengthen their defensive options. The club have already finalised a £62.5 million deal for Antoine Semenyo, but attention has now turned towards adding a central defender.

Reports elsewhere suggest City are “intent” on completing a deal for Guehi this month and would be prepared to match any competing offers should rivals unexpectedly enter the race.

Their financial flexibility during the January window gives them a strategic edge, allowing them to address immediate squad needs rather than waiting until the summer.

Guehi’s rise makes him a prized target

Since joining Crystal Palace from Chelsea, Guehi has developed into a reliable and commanding Premier League centre-back. His consistency, leadership and calmness in possession have made him a standout performer for the Eagles.

His performances have also cemented his status as a regular England international, further boosting his appeal to clubs competing at the top end of the table.

Liverpool came close to signing him last summer, underlining long-standing admiration, while Arsenal have also followed his progress closely as they plan for the future.

City cover options continue to impress

In the meantime, City have recalled Max Alleyne from his loan spell at Watford. The 20-year-old centre-back has impressed since returning, starting consecutive matches and scoring during the 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City.

While Alleyne’s emergence offers encouragement, it does not appear to have cooled City’s determination to recruit an experienced defender, particularly one with Premier League pedigree like Guehi.

January decision could shape Guehi’s future

With Arsenal and Liverpool holding firm on their summer plans, the path looks increasingly clear for Manchester City to push ahead this month.

For Guehi, the coming weeks may determine whether he moves now to a title-challenging side or waits until the summer to choose from a wider range of options as a free agent.

For Palace, the decision carries significant financial and sporting implications. Allowing their captain to depart without compensation would be a major setback, yet holding firm could leave them short-handed if City’s offer proves too strong to ignore.

As the January window unfolds, all signs point to Manchester City holding the upper hand in the race for one of the Premier League’s most in-demand defenders.