Report: Liverpool ‘Super Confident’ of Signing £65m Premier League Star | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Reluctance Opens the Door for Liverpool’s £65m Guehi Swoop

The ongoing transfer saga involving Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has taken a significant turn, with Arsenal stepping back from the race, thereby clearing the path for Liverpool to make their move. According to TeamTalk, Arsenal had initially shown interest in Guehi but were deterred by Crystal Palace’s steep £70m valuation. Instead, they turned their attention to Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, a deal which remains fraught with challenges, including unsuccessful attempts to involve Jakub Kiwior as a makeweight.

Liverpool’s Defensive Reinforcements

Liverpool’s search for a new centre-back intensified following Joel Matip’s departure to free agency and subsequent talks with Bayer Leverkusen. Sepp van den Berg’s future also hangs in the balance, with the Dutch defender impressing during his loan spell at Mainz and early pre-season efforts. However, the presence of established defenders like Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and the promising Jarell Quansah suggests that Van den Berg may seek regular starts elsewhere, with a £20m price tag set by Liverpool.

Marc Guehi: The Ideal Candidate

Marc Guehi’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Filling the void left by Harry Maguire during Euro 2024, Guehi was arguably England’s standout performer. His stellar displays at Crystal Palace over the last three seasons have caught the eye of several top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, who recently pivoted to signing Leny Yoro.

Photo: IMAGO

With Arsenal’s focus shifting away from Guehi due to financial constraints, Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners. TeamTalk reveals that the Reds are ‘super confident’ of securing Guehi for around £65m. The deal is bolstered by positive signals from Guehi’s camp, despite the defender’s desire to remain respectful to Crystal Palace. The presence of a sell-on clause favoring Chelsea, due 20 percent of Guehi’s sale proceeds, has contributed to Palace’s firm stance on the valuation.

Arsenal’s Shift to Calafiori

Arsenal’s pivot to Riccardo Calafiori underscores their strategic shift. The Gunners have agreed personal terms with the Bologna defender but face hurdles in meeting the Italian club’s €50m-plus demands. Arsenal’s unsuccessful attempts to include Jakub Kiwior in the deal reflect the complexity of modern transfer negotiations, where player preferences and club ambitions often collide.

Despite these challenges, the expectation is that Arsenal will eventually reach an agreement with Bologna. However, even if the Calafiori deal falls through, a return to Guehi seems unlikely given the prohibitive costs involved. This reluctance paves the way for Liverpool to finalize their pursuit of Guehi, marking a significant coup for the Reds under new management.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Defensive Strategy

Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi aligns with their strategic focus on bolstering the defence with proven talent. The decision against splurging on Leny Yoro, despite his potential, highlights the club’s preference for established Premier League performers. Guehi’s ability to neutralize elite-level attackers both domestically and internationally positions him as an ideal addition to Liverpool’s backline.

Guehi’s partnership with Joachim Andersen at Crystal Palace has been one of the Premier League’s most formidable, further enhancing his credentials. His seamless transition into the England squad during Euro 2024, filling the gap left by Maguire, showcased his maturity and readiness for top-tier challenges. Liverpool’s confidence in securing Guehi reflects their commitment to reinforcing the squad with quality and experience.

Conclusion: Liverpool’s Strategic Win

The potential signing of Marc Guehi represents a strategic win for Liverpool, addressing key defensive gaps while adding a player of proven calibre. As Arsenal navigates their defensive reshuffle with Calafiori, Liverpool’s decisive move for Guehi underscores the shifting dynamics in Premier League transfer strategies.

With Arsenal stepping aside, Liverpool are poised to welcome a defender who can contribute immediately and fortify their quest for domestic and European success. TeamTalk’s insights into the transfer saga highlight the intricate negotiations and strategic decisions shaping the futures of Premier League clubs.