Arsenal remain interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but the player would have “reservations” about making the move to the Emirates, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The centre-back has been tipped as a potential replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber but, in addition to a sky-high asking price, Jones says the player would be concerned that competition for places could compromise his international prospects:

“I was being told of a £60m valuation on him and to be honest at this stage of the window it has probably risen. Guehi himself would even have reservations about how he fits in with Gabriel, William Saliba, Ben White and Jurrien Timber over the course of the season because he definitely needs regular game time to get into the England squad and won’t want to be fighting for his spot on a weekly basis, even at a big club like that.”

It’s an understandable explanation, although it should be pointed out that one of those four Arsenal players is out of favour, while another has a long-term injury,

A replacement for Gabriel?

The fact that Gabriel has not started the first three league games of the season has prompted speculation about his future. There have been rumours about a potential switch to Saudi Arabia and manager Mikel Arteta has recently revealed that the player is not happy after a showdown meeting last week.

Of course, there is still a good chance that the Brazilian will be recalled to the starting lineup but it could be the case that Guehi is being considered if Gabriel wants out in the final few days of the transfer window.

Arsenal may have to fend off interest from other teams to sign Guehi

The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool have been mentioned as potential suitors for the former Chelsea player in recent weeks.

At the moment, though, it appears Guehi’s price tag is putting off interested clubs and it is an issue that the Gunners would have to overcome as well.