Arsenal reignite interest in Newcastle and Chelsea target as asking price slashed

Mikel Arteta wants another centre-back in his squad (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal are showing an interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi again, as the defender heads into the final year of his contract.

The 24-year-old was a target for the Gunners 12 months ago, along with a number of other clubs including Newcastle, Liverpool and his former team Chelsea.

The Eagles stuck firm to their lofty asking price of £70m and no deal was done, with Guehi staying put and going on to win the FA Cup with Palace.

However, the England international’s contract at Selhurst Park expires next year so his price tag will be significantly lower this summer.

The Mirror report that with Guehi now much more affordable than a year ago, Arsenal’s interest has been reignited, although their pursuit of him will not be straightforward.

Not only will there be plenty of competition again from their Premier League rivals, but the 23-cap England international may take some convincing to move to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta has established a very reliable partnership at centre-back in Gabriel and William Saliba, one that will not easily be broken.

Marc Guehi has long been linked with a departure from Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty Images)

Gabriel signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal earlier this month and the club is working on Saliba doing the same.

There is interest from Real Madrid in the Frenchman and the Gunners are very keen to keep hold of the impressive centre-back.

That puts in question their interest in Guehi as he will not want to move to any club where he would not be a guaranteed starter.

Guehi became a Crystal Palace legend by winning the FA Cup this year (Picture: Getty Images)

The Athletic report that Arteta wants genuine competition to his first-choice central defenders and Arsenal made a move for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen before he made his £50m transfer to Real Madrid.

Newcastle made three bids for Guehi last summer, going as high as £60m, but could not convince Palace to sell.

With a return to the Champions League, the Magpies could come back with another offer as he is now likely available for less than they bid in 2024.

Guehi has offered little on his future, saying before Palace beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final: ‘My only focus is this game.

‘My only focus is the fact that I am under contract at Palace. So as far as I am concerned, I am a Palace player.’

Last month The Sun reported that Guehi may choose to run down his contract at Crystal Palace and see his options expand further when he will be available on a free transfer next summer.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been touted as possible destinations for the defender if he were to leave Selhurst Park on a free.