Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for £80 million. To fund the move, the Premier League champions may consider selling Ruben Dias, with Chelsea among the clubs previously linked to the Portuguese defender.
DETAILS:
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City are exploring a defensive shake-up, identifying Marc Guehi as a priority target. The Crystal Palace skipper, valued at £80 million, could be part of a squad refresh at the Etihad.
However, such a move might require sacrifices. Reports suggest that Ruben Dias could be “reluctantly” sold to facilitate Guehi’s arrival. Chelsea, who showed interest in Dias earlier, could reignite their pursuit.
Dias, a mainstay in Pep Guardiola’s defence, has been one of City’s best performers this season despite their mixed results. At 27, he is entering his prime, making the possibility of his departure surprising to many fans.
Why Marc Guehi?
Guehi, a 23-year-old England international, is younger than Dias and meets homegrown player requirements, making him an attractive option for City. However, the hefty price tag attached to him, especially with just a year remaining on his contract at season’s end, could deter potential suitors.
Other clubs, including Liverpool and Newcastle, are also monitoring Guehi, but Palace’s valuation appears steep for a player who might not necessarily improve City’s defensive lineup.
QUOTES:
A TEAMtalk insider explained:
“City are keen to add Guehi but may need to make tough decisions, including selling Dias.”
Fans have expressed concern online, with one commenting:
“Dias is the heart of our defence—letting him go would be a mistake.”
CITATIONS:
This report is based on reports from:
- TEAMtalk reported City’s interest in Guehi and potential plans involving Ruben Dias.
- Chelsea were previously linked to Dias in October.
KEEP IN MIND:
While Manchester City’s interest in Marc Guehi highlights their forward planning, the decision to part with Ruben Dias could face resistance from fans. Balancing squad renewal with maintaining quality will be Pep Guardiola’s challenge.
