Paul Merson Slams Arsenal’s Transfer Oversight as Liverpool Snaps Up €35M Deal

Paul Merson slams Arsenal’s decision to ignore Marc Guehi as Liverpool secure £35M transfer deal for the Crystal Palace captain.

Liverpool have officially agreed a £35 million transfer fee to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The deal includes a 10% sell-on clause and marks a significant move for the Reds as they strengthen their backline ahead of the new season.

Guehi, 25, has impressed consistently in the Premier League and was reportedly on the radar of several top clubs. However, Liverpool acted swiftly, securing personal terms weeks before finalizing the deal.

Paul Merson Questions Arsenal’s Decision

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has expressed disbelief over Arsenal’s failure to pursue Guehi. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said:

“It blows my mind that it’s just Liverpool that are interested. He gets into everybody’s team in my opinion. People might say at Arsenal he won’t get in at the moment because of the two [Saliba and Gabriel], but he’s a great replacement”.

Merson emphasized that in a market where top defenders command fees upwards of £60 million, Guehi represents exceptional value. He described the centre-back as “a cup of tea for a top, top drawer centre-half,” lamenting Arsenal’s decision to pass on the opportunity.

Arsenal’s Defensive Depth: A Double-Edged Sword?

Arsenal’s reluctance may stem from their current defensive setup. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães firmly entrenched as starters, Guehi might have struggled for game time. Yet Merson argues that squad depth is essential, especially with injuries and international tournaments looming.

Interestingly, Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal for Piero Hincapie, another promising defender, which may explain their lack of urgency around Guehi. Still, Merson believes Guehi’s Premier League experience and leadership qualities make him a more immediate asset.

As Guehi prepares to don Liverpool red, Arsenal fans may wonder whether their club missed a golden opportunity. Merson’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among pundits: in a season where margins are razor-thin, passing on a player of Guehi’s caliber could prove costly.

Whether Guehi thrives under Arne Slot or Arsenal’s gamble pays off with Hincapie, one thing is clear—Paul Merson won’t be forgetting this decision anytime soon.

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