JUST NOW:Marc Guehi's summer transfer decision is obvious amid Man Utd and Arsenal interest

Marc Guehi is having quite the summer. In the span of a few short weeks, he has gone from being a bit-part player in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024, to establishing himself as a nailed on starter for England, while also fielding interest in his services from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and - if reports are to be believed - Real Madrid. Praise be to Harry Maguire’s niggling calf issue.

The expectation is that, in light of his newfound international status, the centre-back will depart Crystal Palace at some stage between now and the end of August, but given the ever-growing list of suitors on his tail, it is not immediately obvious as to where he might end up. Certainly, a Premier League transfer feels like the most probable outcome, but beyond that, clues are few and far between

Or at least, they were. Earlier in the week, Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano bestowed upon the timeline one of his customary ‘Here we go!’ outbursts, this time suggesting that Arsenal are edging ever closer to a swoop for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. After impressing at Euro 2024, it is understood that the Gunners have made their move to secure a £38 million, plus bonuses, agreement for the defender, who is capable of playing in the centre and out on the left. According to Romano, a four-year deal is in the offing, with a medical already booked.

You would imagine that if and when that transfer is completed, Arsenal will drop out of the running to sign Guehi. With other positions left to strengthen, and with a solid back line as it is, it is difficult to envisage the Gunners spending big on two high quality defenders this summer.

And all of that could open the door for Manchester United to swoop. Once upon a time, not so very long ago, that might have felt like something of a booby prize, like the twisting machinations of some ancient curse manifest. But credit where credit is due, the Red Devils do really seem to be trying to conduct their transfer business with a little more forethought and deliberate intention under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The players they are being linked with feel like savvy, long-term investments, and while it would be naive to suggest that United can suddenly transform themselves into title contenders over the course of a summer, given another transfer window or three, they should start to reap the benefits of an upwards trajectory.

To that end, would they immediately represent a more alluring destination for Guehi than, say, Arsenal? Perhaps not. But there is potential at Old Trafford, and if they can sign a few players of the England international’s calibre, then they will soon take on the hue of a much more tempting option.

Guehi would, then, essentially be getting on at the ground floor. The difference is this time that United are actively making efforts to mend their knackered elevator shaft, rather than simply accepting that they have to live in the basement. If the defender is to bid farewell to Selhurst Park this summer, he could do far worse than taking a punt on the Red Devils.