Crystal Palace’shortlist’ two talents as potential replacements for Newcastle United transfer target Marc Guehi.

Crystal Palace has reportedly shortlisted two Premier League players as potential replacements for Newcastle United transfer target Marc Guehi.

The Eagles are now working hard to complete the acquisition of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, and the England Under-21 international is anticipated to join within the next 24 hours. However, Newcastle’s pursuit of defender Guehi continues, with reports suggesting the club is preparing one more offer for the former Chelsea man before Friday’s transfer deadline. It’s unclear whether that sum is close enough to Palace’s alleged £70 million bid for Guehi, but sources claim the Selhurst Park club is shortlisting potential alternatives for their in-demand centre-back.

Palace has been heavily connected with Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix in recent days, and talks between the two teams are thought to be underway. However, according to The Standard, Oliver Glansner has also identified Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez as potential additions to his squad. According to the source, Palace are ‘braced for a fresh proposal’ for Guehi from Newcastle, and the Magpies are ‘increasingly confident’ of striking a deal for the player who has emerged as their key defensive target.

When asked about the Guehi signing on Tuesday morning, Magpies manager Eddie Howe said: “I’m not going to comment on particular players. There are no issues with backing or support. There has never been. It’s the laws we’re attempting to follow, and every decision we make has an impact on the future, so we have to make sure we’re making good judgments and don’t put ourselves in a vulnerable position again later on. That is why these selections are difficult. It isn’t as simple as being backed. There’s support there. Everyone wants the same outcome at the football club, but it is making the best long-term decisions.”

Gunners sign former Magpies midfielder.
Mikel Merino, a former Newcastle United midfielder, has returned to the Premier League by signing for Arsenal in a deal worth £27.4 million.

The 28 times capped The Spain international made 25 appearances for Newcastle United during a one-year loan spell from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017, before making the move permanent. However, the gifted midfielder returned to Spain in a £9 million move to Real Sociedad, where he won the Copa Del Rey over a six-year period. After aiding Spain to their Euro 2024 Final win over England, Merino was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking to the Gunners website after signing the former Magpies midfielder, Arteta said: “Mikel is a player who will bring us enormous quality with his experience and versatility. He has been at the peak of his career at both the club and international levels for several seasons now. Mikel’s technical abilities, combined with his powerful and enthusiastic nature, will substantially strengthen our group. Mikel is a winner, as seen by his great performances during the Euros, which helped Spain win the tournament. We are happy to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and cannot wait to begin working with him.”

The Magpies may face their former midfielder when Arsenal Meet Them.