In a major transfer coup, Manchester City have swooped to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, beating a host of top European clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool to his signature.
Deal Agreed for 'Close to £30m'
A transfer fee has been agreed between Manchester City and Crystal Palace, with the total package understood to be worth close to £30 million. Initial reports suggested a £20m figure, but talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook confirmed the deal includes significant add-ons, taking the final sum towards the £30m mark.
The move was all but confirmed by outgoing Palace manager Oliver Glasner in a press conference on Friday, 17th January 2026. Glasner, who also revealed he would be leaving the club at season's end, stated: "My latest understanding is that a deal with Marc is in the final stages. I can't confirm a club, because it's still not done but it's in the final stages." He added that Guehi would not play for Palace in their upcoming match as a result.
Huge Contract Offer Seals the Move
The financial terms offered by the Premier League champions have proven decisive. Marc Guehi has been offered a staggering weekly wage of around £300,000 at the Etihad Stadium. This represents a massive six-fold increase on his reported £50,000-a-week salary at Selhurst Park.
This lucrative contract has successfully persuaded the 25-year-old centre-back to choose City over other suitors. Both Arsenal and Liverpool had been closely monitoring Guehi's situation, with his Palace contract expiring in the summer of 2026. The Gunners, in particular, had hoped to secure him on a free transfer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noting last week that Arsenal "have been calling over a potential deal in the summer."
Major Blow for Arsenal and European Giants
City's move represents a significant setback for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who viewed Guehi as a valuable defensive target. However, he would have faced intense competition for a starting spot from the established partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
The defender's availability had also attracted attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs. Alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich had all registered interest in the Eagles captain.
Glasner paid tribute to Guehi's professionalism, saying, "Marc showed it in the summer transfer window, showed it the whole autumn that he was 100 per cent committed to the team and to Crystal Palace." He wished the defender "all the best for the rest of his career," noting he is still "at the beginning of his great career."
The transfer marks a major statement of intent from Manchester City as they continue to strengthen their squad under Pep Guardiola, while Crystal Palace secure a substantial fee for their prized asset rather than risk losing him for nothing in a few months' time.
