Fabrizio Romano issues update on Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Manchester City are unlikely to be at the front of the queue when it comes to the ongoing transfer chase of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, it is being reported.

The England defender has attracted attention from several Premier League heavyweights this summer, including City if some reports are to be believed, after establishing himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the division.

Pep Guardiola’s side are continuing to assess their own defensive options as uncertainty lingers over Manuel Akanji’s future, while Nathan Ake is the subject of some transfer conversation at clubs in the Premier League.

Elsewhere in the Etihad Stadium hierarchy, there is also a consideration of long-term planning. Vitor Reis is viewed as a talent for the future, but has been sent out on loan to Girona for regular first-team experience, leaving Guardiola and recruitment staff weighing up whether to dip into the market in the event of permanent sales.

Galatasaray are in talks over a deal for Manuel Akanji, who is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace, while İlkay Gündoğan’s situation is being monitored, which could affect wider squad planning.

Against that backdrop, Marc Guehi’s name had been floated in connection with Manchester City, but his personal preference appears to be steering him elsewhere.

Despite reports on City and other clubs, Fabrizio Romano reports that Guehi’s situation has not changed and Arne Slot’s Liverpool remains his favourite destination should he leave Crystal Palace.

The England international centre-back is said to want a move to Anfield and talks remain ongoing for a deal to happen before the end of the summer transfer window. Should that not possible, then it is stated that Liverpool will be ‘on it’ for 2026.

For Manchester City, the development may force them to look towards alternative defensive targets, or put faith in their existing options for the duration of the campaign, with the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol yet to feature this season.

They have previously kept tabs on other options across Europe and in the Premier League, but Guehi’s clear intention to favour Liverpool means a bidding war may not be worth pursuing. Pep Guardiola has also often insisted that Manchester City only sign players who are completely convinced about joining the project.

Speculation will continue over whether City revisit their centre-back plans in the final days of the window or simply rely on their existing squad depth. If Guehi eventually secures his Liverpool move, City will likely see their name thrust to the forefront of transfer rumours.