Latest developments
- Arsenal are monitoring Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
- The Gunners will make a move to sign him if William Saliba leaves.
- Saliba has attracted interest from Real Madrid.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Football insider names potential Saliba replacement
Arsenal will attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace if William Saliba leaves to join Real Madrid in the summer. The Englishman has been identified as an ideal centre-back to replace the Frenchman at the Emirates.
This is according to Football Insider‘s Mick Brown, who has scouting connections at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers.
Value (3.5/5): Powerless Palace
Palace have so far shown incredible reluctance to sell Guehi, having turned down bids from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the last two transfer windows.
However, with his contract due to expire in the summer of 2026, the Eagles could be forced to sell their star player at the end of the season or risk losing him for nothing 12 months later.
Suitability (4/5): Mr Consistent
Guehi isn't a household name like Saliba but he is admired by many clubs, owing to his wealth of Premier League experience and consistent showings for Palace and England.
The 24-year-old possesses impressive physicality, alongside positional and tactical awareness to lead his side's backline.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): A more composed alternative
Guehi doesn't have Saliba's pace or his technical prowess in possession, but the England international is a very reliable defensive figure, who likes to keep things moving with his smart decision making.
An error-free and composed central defender could be great for Arsenal, who often appear shaky during the business end of the season under Mikel Arteta.
Logic (4/5): A return to London
Guehi left Chelsea for Palace in 2021. Having failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, the player would certainly appreciate the opportunity to return to London and challenge for major trophies with Arsenal.
Whisper+ verdict: 18/25
A lot of ifs and buts in this report so it's best to wait for Real's concrete decision on Saliba.
