‘No rush to sign’ – Guehi could complete £414m overhaul as Man City intensifies title challenge

Man City escalates efforts in Premier League title battle

Manchester City is stepping up their game in the Premier League title race by making significant moves in the January transfer window.

Pep Guardiola recently welcomed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, who has made a swift impact by scoring twice and assisting once in his first pair of matches.

The club is preparing to strengthen further, having reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Guardiola hopes the center-back will integrate quickly into the team’s starting lineup as City seeks to rebound from recent setbacks.

With the squad dealing with a central defense injury crisis and facing a six-point gap behind Arsenal after three consecutive league draws, City has concluded a year-long squad transformation with these notable signings.

It’s essential to note that while the Guehi deal isn’t finalized yet, Liverpool’s previous failure to secure his signing during the summer adds caution to the situation. Despite this, the trajectory currently suggests a favorable outcome for City.

City maintains a robust financial stance

Since January 1, 2025, City has acquired 14 players, resulting in an investment of approximately £414 million, indicating a complete squad overhaul.

Guardiola is navigating a new roster and coaching staff following last season’s setback, where the club failed to secure any major trophy for the first time in eight seasons.

Several critical players, including Kevin de Bruyne, Ederson, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish, were transferred in the summer. This has helped lower the team’s average age and wage expenses.

In the latest financial disclosures for the year ending June 2025, City reported revenues of £694 million, marking the third-highest in the club’s history.

Despite many clubs struggling under profit and sustainability regulations, how does City manage to spend so liberally?

“City is currently in an exceptionally strong financial position concerning PSR,” said football finance analyst Kieran Maguire.

“They’ve recorded profits of £144 million over the last three years, with clubs permitted to lose up to £105 million. This offers them considerable flexibility, especially since their wage bill has decreased with the exit of several high earners.

“What they’ve been adept at, which often goes unnoticed, is successfully selling players. Over the past three years, they’ve made £350 million from player sales, and for instance, selling Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £40 million has generated pure profit coming from their academy.”

Guehi’s acquisition represents a strategic move

Once Guehi’s transfer is formalized, City officials will be delighted to secure one of the top center-backs in the league.

Guehi had been on the radar of numerous European clubs, not only during last summer but also this transfer period.

The club has reportedly admired the 25-year-old for an extended period and was initially prepared to wait until summer to approach him. However, due to injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, swift action was necessary.

While younger players Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne have stepped up commendably, title challenges demand experienced talents equipped for high-stakes matches.

Guehi, having captained Palace to a shocking FA Cup victory against City at Wembley last season and significantly contributing to England’s journey to the final of the 2024 European Championship, would provide valuable leadership.

Despite nearing the end of his contract at Selhurst Park, a £20 million fee for a seasoned international player who can start immediately is seen as a savvy acquisition.

Sources indicate this transfer is not a reactionary decision due to injuries, but rather a well-considered move for a player expected to be a long-term fixture in the squad.

Since the previous season, Guehi has consistently ranked among the top ten Premier League center-backs for clean sheets, duels won, aerial battles, and line-breaking passes. He promises to bring composure and physical strength to the City defense.

His impending arrival could potentially signal the end for John Stones, who is currently sidelined due to injury, with his contract expiring this summer. The 31-year-old has played only 11 league matches last season and seven this year.

Earlier this month, Guardiola hinted at uncertainties regarding Stones’ future, citing his injury history as a point of consideration in future contract discussions.

Arsenal prepared to invest if necessary

With Guehi likely stepping directly into the City first team, this strategic maneuver surely won’t be lost on Arsenal, who are aware of City significantly boosting their squad as they aim to close in on them.

Reports indicate that the Gunners were also pursuing Guehi but had hoped he would hold off on signing for City until the summer.

This strategy appears unlikely to pan out, as personal terms between Guehi and City are expected to be smooth.

Since taking charge in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has invested over £900 million in players, including £250 million this summer, as Arsenal seeks to end their long title drought.

Given their substantial spending in recent years, is Arsenal still positioned to make significant investments?

“If they need to allocate £100 million this month, they’re capable of doing that,” Maguire stated. “From a PSR perspective, Arsenal doesn’t face substantial concerns.”

With City making bold advancements, the onus now rests on Arsenal’s management to respond effectively.