In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, Arsenal have pulled off a sensational £35 million (€40.3m, $47.4m) coup by securing the signature of Crystal Palace’s star centre-back Marc Guehi, leaving arch-rivals Liverpool reeling. The transfer, finalized in the January transfer window, has been dubbed a “backstabbing” move by pundits and fans alike, as Liverpool were on the verge of signing the England international before Arsenal swooped in at the last moment.
Liverpool’s Defensive Crisis Deepens
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, are in urgent need of defensive reinforcements following a devastating injury to young defender Giovanni Leoni, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in a Carabao Cup match against Southampton. The injury, which will sideline Leoni for approximately a year, has exposed vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s backline, with manager Arne Slot scrambling to maintain the team’s title defense.
The Reds had identified Guehi as their top target to bolster their defense, especially with Virgil van Dijk in his mid-thirties and Ibrahima Konate potentially leaving the club. Liverpool had agreed on personal terms with Guehi and even conducted a medical during the summer transfer window, only for Crystal Palace to pull out of the deal after failing to secure a replacement. With Guehi’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, Liverpool were poised to reignite their pursuit in January—but Arsenal had other plans.
Arsenal’s Ruthless Ambition
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, sitting just two points behind Liverpool after six rounds of Premier League matches, have shown their ruthless ambition by snatching Guehi from under their rivals’ noses. The Gunners, determined to challenge for the title after finishing as runners-up last season, saw an opportunity to strengthen their squad while simultaneously weakening a direct competitor.
Sources close to the deal confirmed that Arsenal moved swiftly to finalize the £35 million transfer, capitalizing on Guehi’s reluctance to sign a new contract with Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old’s composure on the ball, decision-making, and ability to play out from the back make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, which emphasizes possession and defensive solidity.
Wayne Rooney’s Prediction Comes True
Former Manchester United and Everton star Wayne Rooney had previously tipped Arsenal to swoop in for Guehi, much to the chagrin of Liverpool fans. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the BBC Sport pundit laughed off the idea of Guehi joining Liverpool, stating, “Definitely not Liverpool! No, listen, I think he’ll have options, not just in England, in Europe as well. I’ve just got a feeling Arsenal and Chelsea might come in and take Liverpool out of it.”
Rooney’s allegiance to Manchester United and Everton was clear as he expressed his hope that Guehi would avoid Anfield, adding, “But I hope he doesn’t, because I think he’d improve them.” His prediction has now come to fruition, with Arsenal emerging victorious in the race for the highly-rated defender.
Liverpool’s Plan B: Upamecano and Branthwaite
With Guehi now donning Arsenal’s red and white, Liverpool are forced to pivot to alternative targets. The club has been linked with Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, whose contract also expires at the end of the season, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, a player also coveted by Manchester United. However, sources indicate that Guehi remains Liverpool’s “preferred option” due to his seamless fit within Slot’s tactical vision.
According to transfer expert Fraser Fletcher, Liverpool’s interest in Guehi has not wavered despite the failed summer move. “Their stance on him has not changed,” Fletcher noted. “There is a very strong belief that he would fit well with their playing system and future vision. It’s not just his defensive ability that excites them; it’s also his decision-making on the ball.”
Arsenal’s Broader Transfer Ambitions
While Arsenal celebrate their coup, the club continues to pursue other high-profile targets. Despite their success with Guehi, Arsenal’s hopes of signing a Real Madrid gem have been dashed, with Los Blancos refusing to entertain offers for their prized star. Similarly, negotiations for a Juventus youngster have stalled, as the Italian club are reluctant to part ways with their talent.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s interest in an Arsenal winger, previously targeted in the summer of 2025, adds further intrigue to the Gunners’ transfer saga. The potential departure of a key player could offset the euphoria of Guehi’s arrival, but for now, Arsenal fans are reveling in their club’s audacious move.
A Title Race Blow
The acquisition of Guehi is not just a triumph for Arsenal but a significant blow to Liverpool’s title aspirations. With the Premier League race tighter than ever, the loss of their top defensive target could prove costly for the Reds, who now face the daunting task of reinforcing their squad mid-season. Arsenal, on the other hand, have sent a clear message: they are ready to compete at the highest level and will stop at nothing to dethrone their rivals.
As the dust settles on this blockbuster transfer, one thing is certain—the rivalry between Arsenal and Liverpool has never been more intense.