Bayern go for Marc Guehi?! Chief Max Eberl sends out strong message on talk of move for Crystal Palace star

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported on Friday that Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl held discussions earlier this week with Guehi's agent Gordon Stipic to assess the terms of a potential deal. The Bundesliga champions are preparing for defensive changes, with uncertainty over star defender Dayot Upamecano’s contract extension and the possibility of South Korea international Kim Min-jae being sold. 

The meeting showcased the Bavarian club’s first significant step toward securing the England international, who is set to leave Crystal Palace after rejecting a new contract in the summer. With his current deal expiring in 2026, his refusal to renew his deal makes an exit inevitable next summer. Guehi could also be sold for a minimal fee in January’s winter transfer window.

When asked about Bayern's discussion with Guehi's representatives, sporting director Eberl told DAZN: "It's absolutely clear that we as Bayern Munich are exploring the market. Our clear goal is to extend Upa's contract. That's our ultimate goal. If that doesn't work out, we have to be prepared. We would be foolish not to. That's the reason. I've not confirmed anything, but we are active in the market."

Earlier this month, Palace boss Oliver Glasner had revealed that Guehi is almost certain to exit Selhurst Park after he refused to put pen to paper on a new contract. Glasner had said: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal. And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."

The i Paper further reported that Palace might consider selling Guehi for a nominal fee to a European club in the upcoming January transfer window to make as much money as possible from the deal to further finance their transfers. The London club were initially happy to allow the centre-back to run down his contract but they are now planning to make more additions to their squad in January and for that, they would need funds, which Guehi's transfer will enable. Glasner's side are currently ninth in the Premier League table, with their only defeat coming against Everton in a result which ended a remarkable 19-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

Among the Premier League clubs, Liverpool have remained the front-runners to sign Guehi since the summer. During the last transfer window, the Reds pushed till the very end to secure a transfer for the Englishman but Palace were determined to retain his services, especially after key attacker Eberechi Eze left for Arsenal. The Reds continue to remain interested in the defender amid concerns over Ibrahima Konate's future at the club, as the Frenchman is yet to sign a new deal and has also been targeted by Spanish Real Madrid.

If Konate leaves next season, the English champions will have to find a suitable centre-back who can pair up with Virgil van Dijk, while also replacing the experienced Dutch defender as the leader of the backline in future. However, Liverpool will face stiff competition from clubs across Europe. Tuttosport have reported that Serie A giants Inter are the latest club to enter the race to land the coveted signature of Guehi. The Nerazzurri are planning to propose a January transfer exchange involving Yann Bisseck. The Koln-born defender was approached by Palace in the summer, as the English side tabled a €35 million (£30m/$41m) offer. Both the Italian side and the player rejected the proposal, with Bisseck opting to continue at Inter after making 46 appearances last season.