Manchester City are believed to have found a possible way to reduce the fee required to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this month, with the solution potentially involving a loan move in the opposite direction.
The idea of sending a City player to Selhurst Park has added a fresh dynamic to negotiations that are already shaped by financial demands and Guehi’s own preferences regarding how he would like to leave Palace.
While questions remain over whether a January deal can realistically be completed or if a move is more likely in the summer when Guehi would be available on a free transfer, City’s interest in the defender has not wavered.
Pep Guardiola has openly admitted uncertainty over further business this month, highlighting just how complex the situation has become.
Crystal Palace have consistently held a firm line in public, with manager Oliver Glasner repeatedly stressing that only an exceptional offer, combined with a clear desire from Guehi to move on, would prompt the club to consider a sale.
That said, City are now actively exploring ways to reshape the structure of the deal. As previously reported by Sam Lee, including a loan move for one of their players could provide a compromise that satisfies both clubs.
According to information shared on X by Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’, Palace have shown interest in taking Oscar Bobb on loan from the Etihad. Such an arrangement could help lower Guehi’s asking price, which is now thought to be below £30 million.
Other reports indicate that Palace are offering Guehi a financial package worth up to £20 million to persuade him to run down his contract, while City are willing to place him among their highest-paid players to offset the loss of a signing-on bonus.
From Guehi’s standpoint, the England international is believed to favour a move that ensures Palace receive a transfer fee, rather than leaving on a free at the end of the season.
This scenario underlines City’s willingness to take a more flexible approach in talks, as they target a fee in the region of £20–25 million. Palace, however, remain reluctant to move too far from their earlier valuation of £30–35 million.
Much will depend on how keen Palace are to secure Bobb on loan and whether City feel a temporary departure for the youngster aligns with their squad planning.
With Antoine Semenyo already through the door and defensive injuries continuing to influence their transfer strategy, City may decide that a creatively structured deal is the most realistic way to land Guehi in January, rather than risking losing him to a rival or waiting until the summer.
