There are several players who Arsenal could sign instead, but a long term target now available on the market is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal made a concerted effort to sign Huijsen, but the Spanish international ultimately opted to join Real Madrid. The Gunners’ intent was clear: they want a defender who can play across the backline, covering both centre-back positions and potentially full-back as well.
That profile fits Marc Guehi perfectly. The 24-year-old has just one year left on his contract, a detail that could significantly lower his price tag in an otherwise inflated market. Guehi’s ability to operate on either side of a centre-back pairing, combined with his ball-playing composure and Premier League experience, makes him an ideal candidate for Mikel Arteta’s evolving squad.
Arsenal already have a formidable starting duo in William Saliba and Gabriel, with Jakub Kiwior, Ben White and Jurrien Timber also offering cover.
Guehi, although traditionally playing from the left, is actually right foot dominant, so offers genuine flexibility — something Arteta highly values.
The biggest question may not be Crystal Palace’s willingness to sell, but rather Guehi’s appetite for the move. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the England international may be wary of becoming a rotational player behind Arsenal’s settled starters. But the chance to join a Champions League-level club, with the opportunity to play under a coach known for improving defenders, could still be a compelling prospect.
Arsenal are thought to have promised Huijsen significant game time so the same would likely be true of Guehi. His versatility and the amount of games now on offer present a chance for Guehi to play significant minutes as the third choice central defender.
Guehi has long been admired by Arsenal’s recruitment team, and with Andrea Berta now steering transfer strategy, a formal approach feels increasingly likely. Should a deal materialise, it would be a smart addition — a player entering his prime, potentially at a cut price, and offering exactly the type of versatility Arsenal need.
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