Deal Done: Arsenal finally got an “Outstanding” £50m P/L Monster which might make Gabriel “Unplayable” – Medical passed and Announcement imminent, NOT Jurrien Timber.
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Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are in full swing as manager Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad with significant signings.
Despite a decent Premier League campaign last season, the Gunners fell well short of Manchester City, who claimed a historic treble by securing the FA Cup and Champions League titles.
Pep Guardiola’s dominance in English football is no easy feat to challenge, but if there is one man poised to do it, it’s Arteta, who was once Guardiola’s apprentice and has now become his rival.
While the potential arrivals of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and Declan Rice would bolster various positions, there remains a noticeable gap in the squad: a reliable center-back.
Although Jurrien Timber possesses exceptional qualities, it is evident that he has transcended his role as a pure defender.
Therefore, Arsenal still require suitable competition for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, and there are reports suggesting they may even seek to replace one of them.
In this context, the possible acquisition of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace emerges as a viable option. The English international could potentially fill the void left by the towering Brazilian and is available for a fee of around £50 million.
But would Guehi truly enhance Arsenal’s defensive line?
Surprisingly, the 21-year-old England international boasts comparable quality in possession to the 25-year-old Gabriel, who has impressed at the Emirates Stadium. Despite playing for a weaker team, Guehi maintained an impressive average rating of 6.94 last season, with an 85% pass accuracy, 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, and 3.6 clearances per game in the league (via Sofascore).
These statistics are even more remarkable considering Guehi’s age and the fact that he outperforms Gabriel in all three defensive metrics mentioned. His former U21 teammate, Josef Bursik, has praised him as a “brick wall” and an “absolute tank” to play with, further highlighting his potential.
Furthermore, Guehi’s defensive reliability sets him apart. While Gabriel committed two penalties and made one error leading to a goal last season (via Sofascore), the Crystal Palace star committed only one similar error, positioning himself as a more dependable asset. His ability to avoid conceding penalties would be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s defensive stability.
Pairing Guehi’s defensive capabilities with Saliba’s elegance and poise could elevate their partnership to new heights, potentially pushing Gabriel to an exceptional first reserve role. This bold move aligns with Arteta’s pursuit of squad depth comparable to that of Manchester City.
Moreover, Saliba, already ranking in the top 7% among center-backs in Europe for pass completion percentage, would benefit from Guehi’s presence. The Frenchman’s ball-playing skills would be further improved alongside this 6-foot warrior.
Signing Guehi would undoubtedly provide the necessary depth to compete with Manchester City while adhering to Arsenal’s philosophy of trusting in the quality of young players.
Guehi’s bright future and his already apparent level of performance make him a compelling addition, potentially completing the jigsaw puzzle needed to transform Arsenal into true contenders.
