Arsenal make Marc Guehi transfer U-turn after Crystal Palace demands emerge

Arsenal have shelved interest in Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace demanding more than £70million for the England defender.

Guehi, 24, was one of the standout performers for England at Euro 2024 after being drafted into Gareth Southgate's starting XI and is admired by some of the Premier League's elite.

Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the centre-back's services throughout the summer - and it's now emerged that Arsenal were also mulling over a move for the Eagles' star defender. However, The Times notes that Arsenal have moved on to other targets after being priced out of a move for Guehi, who is valued in excess of £70m.

Palace are aware of interest in the defender and his stock is at an all-time high after his strong showing at the European Championship. But Chelsea are due 20 per cent of any future sale which has influenced the Eagles' demands.

While it remains to be seen if anybody will attempt to prise Guehi away from Crystal Palace this summer, Arsenal have turned their attention to Riccardo Calafiori. The Italy defender, 22, is capable of playing as either a centre-back or a left-back and was one of his country's top performers at Euro 2024.

Recent reports have indicated that Arsenal are in talks with Bologna over a deal for Calafiori. The Serie A outfit are also hampered, though, by a significant sell-on clause which would see the defender's former club, Basel, profit from any deal worth more than the £3.4m they banked when selling him last year.

With no deal in place between Arsenal and Bologna, Calafiori returned to pre-season training this week following a break after his Euro 2024 exploits.

Bologna have already sold one first-team star to a Premier League club this summer following Joshua Zirkzee's switch to Manchester United, but it's not thought that they would attempt to stand in Calafiori's way should Arsenal meet their demands - despite being able to offer Champions League football.

Arsenal have made just the one senior signing this summer, bringing David Raya back to the club on a permanent basis. A number of fringe players, including Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson, have all been linked with moves away.