Harry Maguire not making it to Euro 2024 may have done a number on Arsenal and Tottenham

Harry Maguire has been one of the first names on the England team sheet since Gareth Southgate took charge. But the Three Lions boss has been forced to shake things up at Euro 2024 due to an injury suffered by Maguire in the lead-up to the tournament.

As is so often the case, one player’s setback became another’s opportunity, and Marc Guehi was the player thrust into the starting XI. Playing in all four of England’s matches thus far, the Crystal Palace centre-back has been nothing short of superb.

That won’t surprise the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham, who have reportedly been tracking Guehi’s progress for a number of years. It remains to be seen whether either of the north London rivals have a pop at signing him later this summer.

But if they do, Maguire’s injury and Guehi’s big chance at Euro 2024 will see them joined in the transfer chase by a number of fierce competitors. According to The Sun; Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are now interested in Guehi off the back of his performances in Germany, reducing the chances of the Gunners or Spurs pulling off a statement deal.

Palace have already lost Michael Olise to a big-money Bayern Munich offer this summer, but it is thought they would also be willing to let go of Guehi if an offer in the region of £50million is sent their way.

With only two years remaining on the defender’s contract, time is running out for Palace to bank a huge fee. Guehi is still only 23 years old and, in theory, has plenty of time before reaching his peak as a centre-back.

The England man came through Chelsea’s academy but began building his reputation during a fruitful loan spell with Championship side Swansea City. Palace snapped him up in 2021 after he had made only two senior appearances for the Blues.

Three seasons later, Guehi boasts almost a century of Premier League experience and a run to the knockout stages as an England starter.

Painfully for the Three Lions, and Guehi himself, he will be suspended for England’s upcoming quarter-final against Switzerland. The sought-after star was booked in the goalless draw with Slovenia and the win over Slovakia in the last 16, during which he set up Jude Bellingham’s unforgettable bicycle kick with a pinpoint flick-on.

Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez are among the candidates for Southgate to draft in alongside Manchester City centre-back John Stones, who has been a stalwart since the start of the tournament.