Liverpool Take Lead in Transfer Battle for In-Demand Premier League Defender

Liverpool are preparing to make a formal move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, positioning themselves ahead of several Premier League rivals in the race to sign the England international.

Following the impending £30 million sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are prioritising the addition of a central defender this summer. With Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract and uncertainty surrounding his future, manager Arne Slot is keen to bolster the club’s defensive depth.

Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target for Arsenal, is also on the radar of Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle United. However, according to The Telegraph, Liverpool are now seen as front-runners and are expected to submit a significant offer for the 23-year-old in the coming days.

Crystal Palace have previously held firm over Guehi’s valuation. The club rejected a £70 million bid from Spurs during the January transfer window and turned down four separate offers from Newcastle last summer, with the highest reported at £65 million. However, Palace’s negotiating leverage has weakened, as Guehi is now entering the final 12 months of his contract.

With the FA Cup winners facing the prospect of losing the defender on a free transfer next year, a sale this summer is becoming increasingly likely. Liverpool’s decisive action could see them beat Arsenal and others to one of England’s most promising centre-backs.