Arsenal's Eberechi Eze transfer has posed 'player power' problem for rivals Liverpool

Eberechi Eze joining Arsenal could pose a major barrier to Liverpool's proposed move for Marc Guehi, it's been claimed. England forward Eze completed the switch from Crystal Palace to the Gunners on Saturday in a deal which could be worth as much as £67.5million.

Palace captain Guehi is another player potentially headed for the exit door following long-running interest from reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. The centre-back is into the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and is declining to pen a new deal.

It means the 25-year-old could be snapped up for a bargain fee of £35m before next Monday's transfer deadline. Manchester City are also said to be considering signing Guehi if Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake leave this week.

READ MORE: Arne Slot admits Virgil van Dijk chat before Liverpool error - 'Definitely the wrong decision'

READ MORE: Norway drop Martin Odegaard injury hint ahead of Arsenal's trip to Liverpool

However, former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has now raised the possibility that the England international could be tempted to stay at Palace and use Eze's departure to his advantage to demand a big pay rise. Despite the attention from two Premier League giants, the ex-Watford and Wrexham shot-stopper believes that there is still a very real chance of Guehi remaining with the Eagles for longer.

Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Foster said: "I think the Eze deal might have played into Guehi's hands a little bit. He's got massive aspirations of going and signing for a big boy. If Liverpool come knocking, then you want to go to Liverpool.

"But then you might be worried about the deal getting done and how much it might cost, and whether Liverpool are prepared to stump up.

"It puts massive power into Marc Guehi's hands to say to Palace, 'I tell you what, give me £150,000 a week on a four-year deal and I'll sign and say that I am the happiest Crystal Palace player in the world.' That's what it does, and I've seen it plenty of times before. It wouldn't surprise me if that happened."

As it stands, Guehi's future has still yet to be decided, with Palace reportedly unwilling to sell the defender before the second leg of their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday. But club chairman Steve Parish has previously indicated they will allow him to leave for the right price this summer, rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.

Palace are claimed to be eyeing a move for Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot as a potential replacement for Guehi. The 19-year-old is expected to cost the Eagles €20m (£18m), with Aston Villa also believed to be interested.

The arrival of Canvot could possibly trigger a domino effect by allowing Guehi to leave. Palace are keen to realise a price of £45m for him, but Liverpool are reluctant to budge from their valuation of £35m for the player.

City's interest could spark a scenario not too different from Eze's move to Arsenal after the Gunners beat rivals Tottenham to his signature. Guehi has become hot property after some impressive displays in defence for Palace over the last two seasons.

He also played a key role in helping the Eagles win their first-ever FA Cup trophy back in May. Guehi could now be about to secure move to one of two clubs in the Champions League if his departure is sanctioned.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.