In a bold move that could reshape Arsenal’s defensive line for years to come, Mikel Arteta is reportedly closing in on a sensational free transfer swoop for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi at the end of the season. The 25-year-old England international, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires in June, has emerged as a top target for the Gunners, but landing him would trigger a ruthless overhaul at the Emirates. With financial regulations tightening across the Premier League and UEFA, Arteta’s pursuit of Guehi isn’t just about adding quality—it’s about making tough decisions. And according to sources, three current Arsenal stars could find their futures hanging by a thread if the deal goes through.
Guehi, a left-sided centre-back known for his composure, leadership, and aerial prowess, has been on Arsenal’s radar for months. His performances for Palace and England have made him one of the most coveted defenders in Europe, especially as a free agent. Arsenal’s interest is described as “concrete,” with the club willing to play the long game, waiting until Guehi’s deal officially runs out. However, competition is fierce. Liverpool nearly sealed a £40 million move for him on deadline day last summer, only for it to collapse at the eleventh hour. Now, Manchester City are pushing hard amid their injury crisis at the back, while Guehi himself is focused on helping Palace navigate their season, including a strong push in the UEFA Conference League and his upcoming World Cup duties with England.
For Guehi, a humble and loyal character, leaving Palace mid-season feels unlikely. The Eagles have given him his platform, and with the club still in contention for European glory despite their FA Cup exit, he’s committed to seeing out the campaign. But come summer, a new chapter beckons—and Arsenal are positioning themselves as frontrunners.
The catch? Integrating Guehi into Arteta’s setup won’t be seamless. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba form one of the Premier League’s most formidable centre-back partnerships, a duo that’s been the backbone of Arsenal’s title challenges. Guehi would provide elite cover and competition, particularly challenging Gabriel on the left side. But at 25, Guehi craves regular first-team action, not a bench role. If Arteta can convince him that opportunities will arise—perhaps through rotations or injuries—the deal could materialize. Yet, this ambition comes at a cost: an overhaul that puts several defenders’ futures in doubt.
Here are the three Arsenal stars most at risk if Guehi arrives:
- Gabriel Magalhaes: As a fellow left-sided centre-back, Gabriel would face direct competition from Guehi. The Brazilian has been a rock for Arsenal, but with Cristhian Mosquera eyed as cover for Saliba on the right, Arteta might rotate more aggressively. Amid stricter financial rules, if Guehi shines, could Gabriel be deemed expendable? His contract runs long-term, but interest from clubs like Real Madrid could tempt a sale to balance the books.
- Ben White: The England international has fallen out of favor this season, often benched in favor of other options. If Mosquera proves reliable as right-back cover, Arsenal might entertain summer offers for White, who’ll have two years left on his deal (with a 12-month extension option). Guehi’s arrival would deepen the defensive pool, making White’s position even more precarious. A move elsewhere could fund further squad tweaks.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: The young left-back prospect has shown promise, but Guehi’s signing could indirectly threaten his development. Arsenal hold a £45 million buy-option on Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, who Arteta envisions as versatile cover at centre-back or left-back. However, if Guehi joins, triggering Hincapie’s clause becomes less likely—unless Arteta deploys Hincapie primarily at left-back, which would crowd out Lewis-Skelly. With three left-backs unsustainable, the academy graduate could be loaned out or sold, stunting his Emirates breakthrough.
This potential shake-up underscores Arteta’s ruthless approach. He’s built a squad capable of challenging for trophies, but sustainability demands tough calls. Landing Guehi for free would be a masterstroke—saving millions while adding proven Premier League quality—but it could mean farewells to familiar faces. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Palace’s captain and Arsenal’s defensive dominoes. Will Arteta pull off the coup, or will rivals swoop in? One thing’s clear: the London shake-up is underway, and the Emirates could look very different next season