Breakout Euro 2024 sensation has just put Arsenal on ‘high alert’ after rejecting contract offer

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One Arsenal transfer target has just put Mikel Arteta on alert by rejecting the latest contract offer from his current club.

Arsenal are considering options to upgrade their defensive contingent in this summer transfer window. 

Riccardo Calafiori is currently closing in on a switch to the Emirates Stadium. However, Mikel Arteta may still be keen to strengthen his squad in that part of the pitch even further. 

The Gunners have been linked with numerous defenders in recent weeks, and now one such mooted target has made a decision that could spark the North London club into action.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal keeping tabs on Marc Guehi after Crystal Palace rejection

Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Marc Guehi.

The centre-back is currently in Germany, competing for England at Euro 2024. The 23-year-old was not a regular starter for his country prior to this competition, but has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament, and certainly one of England’s better players.

Crystal Palace are determined to retain the services of Guehi, and will be well aware that he is attracting admiring glances from elsewhere. As such, the South London outfit have tabled a fresh contract offer to the 15-cap international star.

However, as reported by The Sun, Guehi is set to reject this contract offer, putting Arsenal and Manchester United on “high alert,” as it seems more likely that a deal to prise the player away from Selhurst Park could now be done. 

Do Arsenal need Guehi and Riccardo Calafiori?

Whilst the Gunners could do with more quality in their back line, they are arguably not short of numbers. Certainly, if Calafiori arrives there will need to be at least one player moved on to make room for the Italian. In that situation, Arteta must seriously consider cashing in on Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The same would be true were Arsenal to make a move for Guehi. The England man would certainly add quality to the squad, though, and if space could be created for him then he would provide competition and cover for the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

In truth, though, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will channel such resources into signing both Calafiori and Guehi in the same summer transfer window. What’s more, Manchester United’s interest in the Crystal Palace star could spark a bidding war, driving his price up even higher.