Manchester City enter transfer market for central defensive recruit eyeing Crystal Palace star

Etihad Stadium officials are reportedly in the market for a new central defensive recruit, and have been linked with a new name from Crystal Palace.

Information concerning Manchester City and fresh recruitment at the heart of their defence follows a summer when club bosses secured the signing of Croatia international Josko Gvardiol in a big-money move from RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old versatile defender has proven to be a huge hit since merging into Pep Guardiola’s system, operating largely as a left-back and showcasing his ability to not only read the game defensively, but also offensively with his range of passing.

However, with Manchester City competing on all fronts and utilising some players out of position, including John Stones in defensive midfield, the club may feel as though they require further options in the more traditional role of central defender.

As such, that has linked Manchester City with a move for a name from within the Premier League, having already signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the most recent summer market.

That is according to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, who reports that Manchester City are in the market for a ‘top’ centre-back, and such is their desire to recruit in the position, it is claimed they could ‘try their luck’ during the upcoming January transfer window.

One name that Manchester City have reportedly been linked with is Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, who is also being chased by Arsenal, Manchester United, and former club, Chelsea.

It is claimed that should there be multiple suitors for the 23-year-old, then a ‘real bidding war’ is anticipated for the summer transfer window of 2024, with Arsenal in particular both ‘willing and happy to wait’.

Marc Guehi is a product of the Chelsea youth academy, having featured regularly for the Stamford Bridge club’s under-18’s during their memorable treble-winning campaign of 2017 – a rise that saw him pen a first professional contract with the side for three-years.

Guehi’s development with Chelsea saw him secure a loan move to Championship side Swansea City in January 2020, before returning to the south Wales club for the 2020/21 season for a second stint, such was the success and popularity of his spell with the side.

In July 2021, Marc Guehi secured a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge by joining his current club Crystal Palace in a reported £18 million deal. It was also claimed at the time, in details that could ultimately work in Chelsea’s favour, that the deal included sell-on incentives and the right for Stamford Bridge chiefs to match any future offers for the player.