‘He is’ - Eddie Howe told what £70m Marc Guehi will bring to Newcastle United
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Marc Guehi’s “calmness” and “leadership qualities” are what attracted Newcastle United’s interest.
His failed move to St James’ Park was one of the most long-winded sagas throughout the summer. Toon chiefs failed with multiple bids to land the Crystal Palace defender, with the highest offer thought to be worth around £70million.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish claimed the Magpies would need to offer “superstar money” to lure Guehi from Selhurst Park. However, they are now in a sticky situation as his contract is entering the final 18 months.
There has been no suggestion that Guehi is keen on an extension despite being appointed club captain earlier this year. Now a fully-fledged England international, various sources claim the 24-year-old would prefer to seek pastures new. Watch on Shots! Geordie Journos reflect on Newcastle United takeover - three years on
Newcastle could return in January with a lower offer to try and tempt Palace - yet to win a Premier League game this season - given Guehi’s awkward contract situation. The defender started for England in their 3-1 win over Finland last night.
Speaking after the game, Arsenal icon Wright highlighted Guehi’s key attributes and what he could bring to the Magpies. He said: “You could see Newcastle’s pursuit of him. (His value) kept going up and up and Palace in the end said no.
“They know what they mean to him. I think when you watch Marc Guehi, his positional sense, his technical play, his leadership qualities, he is very calm.”
Liverpool are another club rumoured to be interested in the former Chelsea academy product. The Reds are short of first-team options at centre-back after Joel Matip - who has since retired - left in June.