Manchester City believe they have edged past Liverpool to secure a deal for Crystal Palace center back Marc Guehi, and BD Cricket Live followers have noticed how quickly this transfer story has gathered momentum. The reigning champions are confident a move worth around 30 million pounds will be enough, yet Arsenal are far from convinced the race is over.

Reports suggest City feel they have beaten their historic rivals Liverpool to the signature of the England international, with both clubs holding multiple rounds of talks with Palace. Liverpool came close last summer, reportedly agreeing a package of 35 million pounds plus add-ons, only for the deal to collapse at the final moment before the window shut. That late setback has kept Guehi firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite.

Now Pep Guardiola appears to be in a stronger negotiating position. City are optimistic the transfer can be wrapped up within days, especially given the urgent need to reinforce their back line. Recent Premier League fixtures have left City short-handed, with Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias both sidelined by serious injuries. The situation has pushed Guardiola to press the club’s hierarchy to act swiftly, and Palace seem open to a resolution.

Guehi’s contract expires in June, which initially placed several top clubs in a waiting game. From Real Madrid and Barcelona to Bayern Munich, interest has been widespread. However, some sides are now eager to move earlier, avoiding a summer scramble that could inflate wages and disrupt squad balance. Observers tracking the situation through BD Cricket Live note that this urgency explains why City are prepared to strike now rather than gamble on patience.

City’s proposal is understood to be difficult for Palace to refuse, and Guehi himself is reportedly keen on the idea of working under Guardiola. Still, any arrival could have ripple effects inside the squad. John Stones, whose contract also runs down at the end of the season, faces an uncertain future. Injury issues have limited him to just seven league appearances, and Guardiola has privately questioned his long-term fitness.

Stones turns 32 in May and knows competition would only intensify. If Guehi arrives, his own role could shrink further, adding another layer of intrigue to City’s defensive plans.

Arsenal, however, are not ruling themselves out. While their Saliba and Gabriel partnership is widely viewed as the league’s best, the club may see this as a moment to strengthen belief during a genuine title push. As BD Cricket Live coverage has reflected, strategic moves that unsettle direct rivals like City and Liverpool can be just as valuable as tactical upgrades.

The real unknown remains Guehi’s personal preference. There is no clear signal pointing toward Arsenal, but his camp is keeping options open. In a market where timing is everything, BD Cricket Live readers understand this saga could still take another twist before the final whistle.