Better signing than Guehi: Arsenal make £60m “superstar” a top target
Arsenal’s rising star, Bukayo Saka, has committed to a new five-year contract extension at the Emirates. His unwavering focus away from chasing potential suitors both domestically and internationally highlights the impressive efforts of Mikel Arteta at the club. Saka, who is 23, stands out as a key player for the Three Lions and ranks among the most challenging opponents in the Premier League, with his roots in Hale End solidifying his status as the standout figure in this thrilling Gunners resurgence.
Arteta, alongside technical director Andrea Berta, is intent on incorporating even more English talent into their squad, setting their sights on one or two top Premier League players in 2026.
Arsenal seeks to bolster their English player roster
Last year, Liverpool and Manchester City emerged as the frontrunners for Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi, but The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently reported that Arsenal is considering rekindling their longstanding interest.
Despite the challenges faced by Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli indicating a need for additional attacking options, Arteta remains committed to his defensive strategy and aims to enhance both the quality and depth of the backline, particularly following a string of injuries this season. However, Guehi isn’t the only defender from the England team they are keeping an eye on. Reports from TEAMtalk suggest that Arsenal is also interested in acquiring Tino Livramento from Newcastle United, potentially orchestrating a move by the end of the season, as the full-back is seen as a key target for the Gunners.
A move for the 23-year-old under Arteta’s guidance for the second half of the campaign would be exciting, but it seems unlikely, given Eddie Howe’s desire to bolster his inconsistent team. Manchester City is also keen on the ex-Chelsea academy player, who would command a fee of at least £60m to depart St. James’ Park.
Why Livramento would be the perfect signing
Livramento has caught Arsenal’s attention for quite some time. He is two-footed, possesses impressive physical attributes, and is reliable defensively while being aggressive in attack; he’s considered “one of the best defenders in Europe,” as noted by reporter Andy Sixsmith.
With Jurrien Timber already demonstrating Arteta’s willingness to utilize wide defenders on both sides, Livramento would seamlessly integrate into that plan—curiously, he has played nine times as a right-back and eight times on the left this season. Livramento’s speed and confidence on the ball could make him a standout player at Arsenal, and the assurance with which he plays might even make him a more valuable signing than Guehi. Livramento naturally enhances the overall tactical dynamics of his team. He brings a level of dynamism that is hard to match. While Guehi is also a quality defender, Arsenal acquired Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia last summer, who showed promise before succumbing to an injury.
According to the data-driven platform FBref, statistical comparisons indicate that Gabriel ranks among Guehi’s most comparable players in Europe, so while the aspiration to bring him on board is understandable, it’s difficult to envision him taking the spot of the remarkable Brazilian.
And William Saliba, while destined for a future move to Real Madrid, is firmly anchored at Arsenal for now.
Premier League 25/26 – Gabriel Magalhaes vs Marc Guehi
| Stats (per 90) | Gabriel | Guehi |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0.21 | 0.10 |
| Assists | 0.14 | 0.10 |
| Touches | 75.21 | 64.40 |
| Pass completion (%) | 88.4 | 84.5 |
| Progressive passes | 4.12 | 5.65 |
| Progressive carries | 0.71 | 1.20 |
| Shot-creating actions | 1.21 | 1.50 |
| Ball recoveries | 1.49 | 4.40 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 1.92 | 2.75 |
| Clearances | 5.62 | 5.25 |
| Aerials won | 3.06 | 2.65 |
Data via FBref
The former Southampton talent covers a significant amount of ground, registering an average of 5.2 ball recoveries in the Premier League this season, and has the chance to solidify a starting position during the prime years of his career. Conversely, Guehi’s possibilities in that regard may be slightly uncertain. After all, Arsenal arguably holds one of the most formidable central defensive partnerships in existence.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento squares off against Arsenal’s Ben White.
Undoubtedly a “superstar” in the Premier League, as described by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, Livramento’s trajectory suggests he will only improve in the years ahead, and while Guehi would be a stellar addition, Livramento’s capacity to excel on both sides of defense highlights his potential to become a fundamental player for a club like Arsenal that aspires to contend for Premier League titles.
Published: 2026-01-10 20:40:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
