Andrea Berta adds ‘excellent’ defender who Chelsea sold for just £18m to Arsenal transfer shortlist

Add as preferred source on Google

While it doesn’t appear to be a priority this summer, Arsenal are on the lookout for a potential defensive addition to the side.

The Gunners are preparing for the future, where the backline could dramatically shift once again under Andrea Berta.

While Gabriel Magalhaes recently signed a new contract, there are doubts with others, as William Saliba enters the final two years of his deal, while Jakub Kiwior has been linked with a transfer exit.

For Arsenal, that potential instability could see them enter the market as a new name appears to be on the club’s radar.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Arsenal keeping a close eye on Marc Guehi amid Crystal Palace uncertainty

With that uncertainty at the back, Arsenal have clearly been active in trying to find potential options in defence.

Arsenal showed transfer interest in Dean Huijsen before he eventually made the switch to Real Madrid.

Now, following that move, the Gunners are looking towards other options.

That’s because, according to The Athletic, Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is currently high on Arsenal’s list for potential defenders.

Uncertainty remains over his future at Selhurst Park, as the 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his current contract, with no clarity on whether he will sign a new deal or not.

The report states that it could be tough to land Guehi, however, due to the competition provided by Saliba and Gabriel.

However, if it’s a move Arsenal do pull off, then it could embarrass rivals Chelsea, who sold him for just £18 million in 2021.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal contract expiry date and players set for 2026 summer exit

Lee Carsley has outlined exactly why Arsenal must sign Marc Guehi

With Arsenal eyeing up a move for Guehi, perhaps it is Lee Carsley who best summed up exactly why the Gunners are interested.

Speaking as interim England boss back in November 2024, he said on Guehi: “I still think there is a lot more to come from Marc [Guehi]. Physically, he’s fast and he’s aggressive. On the ball, he is excellent as well, so he just needs to keep improving.

“There’s good competition for places in that centre-back position, but Marc is definitely worthy of his position.”

They’re all attributes that fit Arsenal perfectly, with the Gunners clearly eyeing a potential bargain in the market.