Arsenal are one of the clubs “ready to test” the resolve of Crystal Palace as they pursue a deal for Marc Guehi, according to CaughtOffside.com.

The website reports that the Gunners and Newcastle are both interested in signing the former Chelsea defender.

However, neither team is likely to match Guehi’s asking price, which currently stands at £50m. Considering that the centre-back is unwilling to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park, the figure is seen as too steep.

An opening bid from Mikel Arteta’s side is expected to be below the player’s valuation and that may lead to negotiations becoming long and drawn out.

Guehi’s involvement at Euro 2024 with England may complicate matters further and Caught Offside claim that “it may take some time” before a transfer is finalised.

Do Arsenal need a new centre-half?

The Gunners effectively have five players who can play in the centre of defence, although two of those (Ben White and Jurrien Timber) are mostly used as fullbacks.

With doubts over the future of Jakub Kiwior, there is an argument to say that the London club could do with strengthening their options in that position.

Other positions are likely to be prioritised

Even though Arteta would likely want a player of Guehi’s calibre, you do feel that other areas of the pitch could do with being reinforced first. Recruiting a new No. 9 is still on the agenda, even after the failure to land Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

A replacement for Reiss Nelson will be considered if the 24-year-old does leave the Emirates over the coming weeks, while there is talk that the club want to recruit another midfielder (although that may hinge on the departure of Thomas Partey before the transfer window closes).

Find out more about Arsenal’s transfer plans by watching the Chris Wheatley Show on Shots! here