Why Manchester City's move for Marc Guehi feels like a turning point

If anyone believes that Manchester City have already conceded the Premier League title to Arsenal, then they are sadly mistaken.

Pep Guardiola's side have faltered in recent weeks after three successive draws to Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton, but transfer developments off the pitch suggest they mean business.

City fended off reputable competition to sign Antoine Semenyo, and he already looks worth his weight in gold after his imperious performance against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

Now, the Citizens have agreed on the deal that they really needed for Marc Guehi, and it is one that gives them a genuine chance of catching Mikel Arteta's side.

Why Manchester City moved for Marc Guehi

It was only five months ago that Guehi seemed destined to move to Liverpool, only for Crystal Palace to pull the plug at the eleventh hour.

However, even after the collapsed transfer, a move to the Reds felt like a formality, with the defender's contract at Selhurst Park up in the summer and the possibility of a January switch to Merseyside.

Man City were never really in the picture to sign the England international until a dramatic festive period forced them to take action, with Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias sidelined for extended periods.

The ten-time Premier League champions did take measures, with Max Alleyne returning early from his loan at Championship side Watford, but a partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov cannot be seen as a long-term solution.

With John Stones also sidelined, a £20million fee for one of the country's leading defenders feels like a steal, and it is a signing City desperately need.

What will Guehi bring to the Etihad?

Ever since leaving Chelsea in 2021, Guehi has been on a mission to prove his ability as an elite Premier League centre-back, and he has certainly fulfilled his potential at Palace.

During his time at Selhurst Park, he has developed into a calm and composed leader, and while he may not bark orders like Vincent Kompany, he is sure to inject poise into City's backline.

The biggest compliment I can pay Guehi is that he makes the game look incredibly simple for a centre-back. Not only does he read the game exceptionally well, but he is a superb one-on-one defender and can be a matchup for the paciest of attackers.

At Palace, the 25-year-old has been consistent for some time now, and if he continues that form at the Etihad, then he can be a leading defender for the next decade.

Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images

What it means for Man City's season

Like Arsenal, Guardiola's side have a chance of winning the quadruple, although they need to go on a monumental run to keep pace with the Gunners. That being said, the gap is not seismic, and Arteta's side have faltered several times before.

Regardless of what transpires in the Premier League, the Citizens are well-placed to win at least one trophy this campaign, and they already have one foot in the Carabao Cup final.

With Semenyo in their ranks, City already look like a different beast, and that was before they add the defensive solidity of Guehi into the mix.

Indeed, if this transfer window has shown us anything, it is that Man City will not give up on bagging their eleventh Premier League title without a fight.

While Arsenal must focus on their own game, one bad result could open the door to City, who will be out to sniff blood.

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