Arsenal transfer target given rave review amid growing £65m transfer interest from Man Utd

Crystal Palace and Arsenal-linked defender Marc Guehi has been heavily praised following his opening two performances in the ongoing European Championships.

Manchester City star John Stones has applauded the manner in which the 23-year-old Eagles star has handled the pressure of the competition, amid concerns England’s defence could be vulnerable in the absence of the injured Harry Maguire.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live the Cityzens centre-back said of his defensive partner: “So good, so good. For him to come in, not having felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances have been great.

“I said to him when we’re in this, or whoever’s playing or whoever I’m playing with, I’m your right arm, you are my left. We do this together. I’ve got your back and he’s bought into that so well. I believe massively in partnerships and that you do it all together and I feel that he’s handled the occasion so well and I really enjoy playing with him.”

Guehi only had 11 caps prior to the Euros but has started alongside Stones against both Denmark and Serbia in Germany, forming a solid centre-back partnership that has conceded just one goal so far.

His performances are even more impressive when considering he was forced onto the sidelines for much of Crystal Palace’s 2024 fixtures after sustaining a knee injury against Brighton in early February. The star - who began his career in the Chelsea youth academy - rejoined the team for the final game of the Premier League season, a 5-0 win over Aston Villa but is hopeful his form in Germany will showcase his talent in a bid to pick up transfer interest.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle have all been linked with a move for the Cote d’Ivoire-born star but as Guehi’s time in the medical room increased, transfer interest began to wane. Now, however, with his superb form on show at the highest level, and Liverpool said to be the latest club to join the inquiring clubs, Palace have reportedly told prospective buyers they wish the bidding for Guehi’s signature to start at £65m.

Guehi still has two years remaining on his Selhurst Park contract but as it currently appears unlikely he will sign a new deal, Oliver Glasner’s squad may well be ready to listen to appropriate offers.