are prepared to let Arsenal and target Marc Guehi leave this summer but will demand a big fee for the centre-back, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed two excellent seasons in the since joining from in 2021 for a fee in the region of £18million.
Guehi has impressed with his defensive ability, composure on the ball and leadership, routinely donning the armband when regular club captain Luka Milivojevic is not on the pitch.
His performances for Palace earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time last year, winning three caps to date, though he did not make the World Cup squad.
A number of the Premier League’s big-six clubs are in the market for a new centre-back this summer and Guehi is starting to attract a lot of interest.
Title-chasing Arsenal are to provide cover and competition, as well as the ability to switch to a back three if required.
Manchester United are also keen to bring in a new centre-back with Harry Maguire expected to leave, while Tottenham are also admirers of Guehi and are in need of more homegrown players in their squad.
Although Palace would be reluctant to lose Guehi, are reporting that they would be prepared to enter into negotiations – though they are willing to drive a hard bargain.
The young defender is contracted to Palace until 2026 meaning the Eagles have a very strong negotiating position, while any deal is complicated somewhat by a sell-on clause Chelsea secured when he was sold.
As part of that deal, the west Londoners – who actually have first refusal on the centre-back as well – are due 20 per cent of any future fee.
As such, Palace will demand a minimum of £50million for Guehi and want to receive a new club-record fee – which is currently the £45m plus £5m in add-ons they received from Manchester United for Aaron Wan-Bissaka back in 2019.
Although Chelsea can match any offer Palace receive, the Blues are not expected to make a rival move for Guehi this summer.
Palace’s £50m asking price could prove to be too steep for both United and Arsenal, who have a host of other positions they want to strengthen this summer too.
The Gunners are eyeing a swoop for West Ham skipper Declan Rice – who could cost in excess of £100m – while Mikel Arteta also wants another attacker and right-back, while Erik ten Hag is prioritising a move for a proven goalscorer and also wants to bolster his midfield.
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