Manchester United 'to rival' Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City for Marc Guehi and more transfer rumours

Manchester United face up to a five-way battle if they want to sign Marc Guehi next year, according to reports.

A new centre-back is one of Erik ten Hag's priority positions to strengthen in 2024 - along with full-back, centre-midfield and attack - with the Manchester Evening News understanding United are targeting an athletic defender next summer. United have been ravaged with injuries this season and defence has been hit particularly hard, with the light options at centre-back being laid bare.

First-choice pairing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have again faced fitness issues this term, leaving United to rely on veteran Jonny Evans and a player they would have sold in the summer in Harry Maguire. As a result, United are eager to sign a quality option capable of being a regular starter.

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One man who could fit the bill is Guehi, who has seriously impressed during his time at Crystal Palace and has become a regular in Gareth Southgate's England squad. The 23-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed with practically every Premier League club said to be interested.

According to The Sun, Arsenal are the front-runners with Mikel Arteta seeing Guehi as part of his long-term plans and is ready to wait to secure his signature. It's claimed Manchester City could be tempted to make a move in January, but given £77.6m was spent on Josko Gvardiol in the summer it seems unlikely.

Palace are expected to demand a humungous fee for their star centre-back which is expected to dwarf the £50m they received from United for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Chelsea, where Guehi spent some of his development in