Serie A Giants Pushing to ‘Hijack’ Liverpool’s Move for £35m Star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Marc Guehi Faces Fresh Challenge

Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, but questions remain over their defensive solidity. Despite securing three points, Arne Slot’s side looked unconvincing at the back, with Ibrahima Konaté struggling against Antoine Semenyo.

It is no surprise, then, that Slot has identified a new centre-back as a priority this summer. According to Caught Offside, the Reds’ prime target is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, widely regarded as one of the most reliable defenders in the division.

Inter Milan Add Pressure in Guehi Chase

The situation has been complicated by emerging competition from Italy. Caught Offside revealed that “Inter’s leadership duo, president Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio, have already communicated to the player’s representatives that Guehi is firmly on their shortlist for 2026.”

Although the Serie A champions are not expected to make an immediate move, their presence casts a long shadow over negotiations. Should Guehi remain at Selhurst Park beyond this window, Inter would be positioned to offer a lucrative free-agent contract next year.

This development has created urgency for Liverpool. While the Merseyside club remain in direct contact with Palace, progress has been slow and valuations continue to diverge.

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Palace Stand Firm on Valuation

Crystal Palace have made their position clear. Guehi has one year left on his deal, yet the Eagles are demanding £45–50 million, a price Liverpool consider excessive. Anfield executives are reluctant to exceed £35–40 million, given the player’s contractual situation.

As Caught Offside reported, “negotiations have hit a stumbling block over valuation of the defender who has made 157 appearances for the Eagles.” This deadlock threatens to drag into the final weeks of the transfer window, leaving Guehi’s immediate future uncertain.

Palace’s stance also creates risk. If no deal is reached, Guehi could see out the season in South London before departing as a free agent. For Inter Milan, such an outcome would be ideal, allowing them to secure a proven Premier League defender without a transfer fee.

Liverpool May Turn to Alternatives

The Reds cannot afford to gamble on defensive depth. Slot has inherited a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts, but frailties at the back could undermine ambitions to retain the Premier League crown. Should Guehi prove unattainable, other options may be explored.

One name mentioned is Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, another highly regarded English defender with proven Premier League pedigree. While no bid has yet materialised, interest could intensify if Palace refuse to soften their stance on Guehi.

As one source put it, “the Reds may have to turn their attention towards other targets, including Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa who has been linked with a move to Anfield.”

Uncertainty Ahead of a Crucial Season

Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is shaped not only by current needs but by long-term planning. With Konaté’s future unresolved and Van Dijk edging closer to the twilight of his career, reinforcing the defensive line is essential.

Guehi, at 25, represents a player who could anchor the backline for years to come, combining composure with leadership. However, unless compromise can be found between Liverpool and Palace, the pursuit risks slipping away.

Caught Offside have highlighted the precarious balance at play, and for Liverpool supporters, the coming weeks could prove decisive.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this report will spark mixed emotions. On one hand, the pursuit of Marc Guehi demonstrates ambition and a clear plan from Arne Slot and his staff. On the other, the risk of losing out to Inter Milan or being priced out by Palace is frustrating, especially when the defensive issues are so obvious.

Slot’s debut season could not have been more successful, lifting the Premier League title in May and ensuring the club’s momentum after Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Yet the Bournemouth match underlined that while the attack remains vibrant, the defence requires fresh energy. Guehi looks like the perfect fit. At 25, he has maturity beyond his years, and as Palace captain, he already carries leadership experience that would blend well with Liverpool’s evolving squad.

If Palace refuse to compromise, fans will hope the club moves decisively for Ezri Konsa or another alternative rather than leaving the squad short. However, Guehi feels like the priority and losing him to a free transfer exit next year, potentially abroad, would sting.

For now, Liverpool fans must hope that Anfield’s negotiators find a breakthrough. Guehi’s arrival would strengthen the defence immediately and set the foundations for another title challenge.