Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has advised Newcastle United to ‘step away’ from their ongoing negotiations with Crystal Palace to sign Marc Guehi.
The Magpies have identified the centre-back position as one they need to reinforce this summer, and Guehi, 24, has emerged as Eddie Howe’s top target.
The 24-year-old has seen his stock rise in recent months with his latest string of solid performances coming for England during last month’s European Championship in Germany.
Although Guehi and England failed to go the distance after falling at the final hurdle and losing 2-1 to Spain, the Palace defender did his reputation no harm after being widely regarded as the Three Lions’ best player of the tournament.
However, despite his surging reputation as one of the Premier League’s most reliable and consistent centre-backs, Keown feels Newcastle should pursue alternative options.
Martin Keown tells Newcastle United to scrap Marc Guehi transfer plans
The Magpies have had four bids turned down by Palace with their most recent thought to be worth a staggering £65 million (including add-ons).
“I do think he’s a very good player,” the ex-Gunner told talkSPORT.
“(But) I think there are limits. And I’m just wondering, this bravado – you know, there’s going to have to be a limit to what they can pay. I think they should step away at this point.”
Quickly challenging Keown’s opinion, co-host Simon Jordan said: “So when Arsenal sign a 19-year-old in Saliba for £27m to play 16 appearances (it’s OK).
“Whereas you’ve got Guehi, who was a revelation in the European Cup, he’s been a mainstay at Crystal Palace and a side that often finds itself under pressure. Why are you resistant to the market forces?”
Keown replied to Jordan’s question by saying: “Well, because I’m not particularly certain that that’s the right area for Newcastle to strengthen in.
“I think they’ve got an abundance of defenders there. I mean, they took Lloyd Kelly in there from Bournemouth, who might just be a little diamond that they could unearth.
“I wonder if that’s why Eddie was bringing him in. Maybe he’s seen now he’s not quite in pre-season what he thought. So he wants Guehi to come in instead. And it’s an ageing defence, maybe. And he wants to make some changes.
“But I would have thought, you know, there was talk of [Alexander] Isak having to leave the football club to fulfil the Financial Fair Play details.
“And now they’re paying £65 million for a defender. So that feels really odd.”
During his three years at Selhurst Park, Guehi, who has just two years left on his contract, has scored five goals and registered two assists in 111 games in all competitions.
I also encourage them to walk away 🙂
Funny that Howe turned to Kelly after Schar was dismissed, so yeah i guess he doesn’t rate him, Again Talk Sport pundit talking shite as usual..