Arsenal boss Arteta wants to splash ‘huge transfer fee’ on another David Raya
Aaron Ramsdale left sweating over Arsenal future as Mikel Arteta turns to David Raya
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a big-money deal for Marc Guehi despite the wealth of centre-back options already at Mikel Arteta’s disposal. A move for the defender would share similarities with David Raya’s arrival in north London, which many felt was unnecessary due to Aaron Ramsdale’s solid performances last season.
Ensuring each player faces competition to keep their place in the starting XI is evidently one of Arteta’s core beliefs. But the Spaniard took it to a new level by signing Raya, who demoted Ramsdale to the bench earlier this campaign.
Just like many Gunners fans felt they did not need to strengthen in goal, the same can be said in central defence. William Saliba, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes are already three high-class options competing for two spots, and that’s not to mention those waiting in the wings.
Jakub Kiwior helped his side keep a clean sheet against Sheffield United on Saturday, Takehiro Tomiyasu can play across the back line, and long-term injury absentee Jurrien Timber will also be in the mix when he returns to fitness.
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Nevertheless, The Sun claim that Arsenal are preparing to enter a bidding war for Guehi, which is not expected to start until next summer. It was previously reported that the 23-year-old would cost £50million, but Crystal Palace are keen to capitalise on widespread transfer interest by holding out for a ‘huge’ fee.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Guehi, who is into his third season as a regular at Selhurst Park. He is also a full England international with seven caps on his CV.
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Arteta is believed to view the former Chelsea academy prospect as a long-term solution, and the boss will likely feel confident about his pulling power in the transfer market after fending off competition to sign Declan Rice during the summer.
The race for Guehi’s signature is sure to be similarly competitive, and Chelsea are reported to have a deal whereby they can match any offer that comes in for the Palace man. It remains to be seen whether the Blues are tempted, or whether the player would be keen to return to Stamford Bridge.
Arteta switched up his back line against the Blades this weekend, promoting Kiwior to the starting XI alongside William Saliba, and leaving Gabriel untouched on the bench.
The decision worked wonders as the Gunners notched a resounding 5-0 victory to go within two points of bitter rivals Tottenham at the top of the Premier League, with Eddie Nketiah netting a hat-trick.
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