Arsenal Back Away from Marc Guehi Transfer Due to Crystal Palace’s High Demands
Arsenal, one of the Premier League’s top clubs, has ended its pursuit of Marc Guehi after Crystal Palace set a high price of over £70 million for the England defender.
Guehi, 24, impressed at Euro 2024 and is highly regarded by several Premier League giants. Both Liverpool and Manchester United have shown interest in the centre-back this summer. Arsenal also considered a move for Guehi, but The Times reports that the Gunners have decided to explore other options due to Palace’s steep valuation.
Crystal Palace is aware of the growing interest in Guehi, especially after his standout performances at the European Championship. However, Chelsea is entitled to 20% of any future sale, influencing Palace’s high demands.
It’s uncertain if any club will meet Palace’s asking price for Guehi this summer, but Arsenal has shifted its focus to Riccardo Calafiori. The 22-year-old Italian defender, who can play both as a centre-back and a left-back, was one of Italy’s top performers at Euro 2024.
Reports suggest that Arsenal is negotiating with Bologna for Calafiori. Bologna, however, must consider a sell-on clause that benefits Basel, Calafiori’s former club, from any sale exceeding the £3.4 million paid for him last year.
As negotiations continue, Calafiori has resumed pre-season training after a break following Euro 2024. Bologna, having already sold Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United this summer, is not expected to block Calafiori’s move if Arsenal meets their conditions, despite their ability to offer Champions League football.
So far, Arsenal’s only major signing this summer is David Raya, who has returned to the club permanently. Meanwhile, several fringe players like Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith-Rowe, and Reiss Nelson are rumored to be considering moves away from the club.
