The Guardian

Football finance expert names price point at which Liverpool could plausibly sign Marc Guehi

Football transfer rumours: Ethan Nwaneri to replace Semenyo at Bournemouth?

Today

Today

🟢 What’s happening now

Manchester City are actively trying to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the January 2026 window.

City’s defensive injury crisis (with Josko Gvardiol ruled out long-term and Rúben Dias also sidelined) has pushed them to pursue a centre-back reinforcement. �

The Guardian

⚔️ Liverpool’s position

Liverpool remain interested in Guehi — the Reds were close to signing him in the summer of 2025 — but internally believe they will struggle to complete a January deal. Fabrizio Romano and other sources report that Liverpool expect it to be difficult to strike a deal this window. �

Soccer News

Liverpool had agreed around £35 million with Palace last summer, but Palace pulled out of the deal at the last minute because they couldn’t secure a suitable replacement. �

Sky Sports

💰 Transfer fee context

The figure £30 million is frequently mentioned as a price point at which Palace might consider selling Guehi (particularly given he is into the final six months of his contract), but newer reporting suggests Palace are valuing him higher than that now due to his importance and want to maximise return. �

The Empire of The Kop +1

🧠 So — have City “beaten” Liverpool?

Not conclusively yet.

City are pushing ahead and negotiating, and Liverpool internally feel it will be hard for them to do the deal this month. �

Soccer News

But no transfer has been agreed with Crystal Palace (and Liverpool still remain an interested party).

In other words: City are currently leading the transfer chase and are seen as more likely to complete the signing than Liverpool in January, but it hasn’t been finalized.

Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Thursday night with both Premier League sides set to be without several key players due to injury and other factors.

Hugo Ekitike is once again an injury doubt for Liverpool.

While the festive fixture period has now concluded, it doesn’t mean the schedule becomes any less hectic for either Liverpool or Arsenal. The two sides are poised for their midweek Premier League clash, with the Gunners welcoming the Reds to the Emirates Stadium for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Arne Slot came out on top against Mikel Arteta in their last meeting, when a late free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai secured all three points for the champions. Since then, both teams have embarked on very different paths with new challenges awaiting them in the second half of the season.

Liverpool suffered a dip in form following that victory over the Gunners, but have since rallied to put themselves back in the race for the top-four. Arsenal, on the other hand, are the clear favourites to clinch the Premier League title, having asserted their dominance at the summit of the table with an impressive run of form.

This sets the stage for a fascinating showdown between the reigning champions and the potential successors, presenting another hurdle for both teams to overcome. Injuries and absences could significantly influence the outcome of the match in north London so – with all that in mind – here’s our in-depth look at eight players who might be side-lined;

Giovanni Leoni

Another star who is set for a spell on the side-lines is Giovanni Leoni. The defender picked up an unfortunate ACL injury early in his Liverpool career, and won’t be back until next season.

(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))5 of 8

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury for Arsenal in late December. The defender remains out of action for the Liverpool clash, but Arteta gave a positive update on the star’s possible return soon.

He said: “No, they’re [Calafiori and Mosquera] out again… I think [they will return] pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab, I think everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”

Cristhian Mosquera

Another Arsenal defender who has been out of action is Cristhian Mosquera. The centre-back picked up an ankle injury in early December. As with Calafiori, Arteta said Mosquera won’t be available against Liverpool, but is closing in on a possible return to action.

Max Dowman

Youngster Max Dowman has enjoyed a breakout season at Arsenal, but that run in the team has been hit with a blow after picking up an ankle injury. The youngster is still set for a spell on the side-lines as he recovers.

8 players set to miss Arsenal vs Liverpool as Arne Slot shares Hugo Ekitike injury update

Transfer news live: Arsenal told to pay £86m for Spurs target, Liverpool rival Man Utd for Baleba, Guehi latest

🔴 Top Rumoured Targets & Links

⚽ Attackers / Creative Options

Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) – Linked as a potential winger option after Semenyo’s move elsewhere; talented but Leipzig may keep him until summer. �

This Is Anfield

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – “Serious interest” reported, though Bayern are working on a new deal and he’s expensive. �

This Is Anfield

Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) – A Premier League-experienced winger who could provide direct impact. �

This Is Anfield

Rodrygo (Real Madrid) – Named as a potential high-profile option — though club stance and feasibility remain unclear. �

Football Whispers

🛡️ Defensive Targets

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – Still widely linked as Liverpool’s top defensive target, though his move may delay until summer; Man City interest too. �

Sports Mole +1

Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) – Occasionally mentioned as an opportunistic defensive reinforcement. �

CaughtOffside

Young centre-backs (Talla Ndiaye / Ifeanyi Ndukwe) – Reports indicate Liverpool are completing a youth-level defensive double deal, with Ndiaye joining now and Ndukwe later. �

This Is Anfield

🎯 Other Names Mentioned in Rumour Pools

Some outlets list other speculative or longer-term targets, including:

Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG) – Defensive midfielder linked broadly with big clubs including Liverpool. �

Football Whispers

Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – Full-back option occasionally referenced. �

Football Whispers

Malick Fofana (Lyon) – Young attacking talent mentioned by some reports. �

Football Whispers

📉 Confirmed So Far (Window Moves)

As of current reporting:

Owen Beck has returned from a loan — no major senior signings confirmed yet. �

Sports Mole

🧠 Context & Strategy

Liverpool’s January business appears cautious — the club could wait for key signings (like Guehi) until summer rather than pushing mid-season. �

TEAMtalk

With injury issues and lack of goals, attacking reinforcements are being widely discussed even if no deal is close yet. �