Manchester City is reportedly determined to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this month, despite facing several obstacles. The club's pursuit of the England international comes amid ongoing defensive concerns and injuries disrupting Pep Guardiola's options at the back.

City's interest in Guehi is not new, with reports suggesting they were preparing financial packages ranging from £20 million to £30 million. However, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has stated his belief that Guehi will remain at Selhurst Park unless a substantial offer is made. This stance adds a layer of complexity to City's pursuit.

Another significant challenge for Manchester City is competition from other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, who are also monitoring Guehi's situation. According to Sam Lee of The Athletic, there's an understanding that Guehi may prefer to stay at Crystal Palace until the summer, potentially favoring other projects. Despite this, Manchester City is reportedly "pushing to change the landscape" and bring him to the Etihad Stadium as soon as possible.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City will continue their efforts to sign Guehi this week and are prepared to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace if the player accepts the move, even though he would prefer a free transfer in the summer.

Guehi's preference has been to delay any decision until the summer, approaching the year with an open mind. Waiting until the summer would allow him to secure a significant signing-on fee and a higher salary as a free agent, opening doors to more clubs. Besides Manchester City and Arsenal, other clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation.

City are aware that Liverpool had agreed a £35 million fee for Guehi last summer, and a similar figure would be acceptable. The main obstacle is agreeing on personal terms with the player. Manchester City believes their sporting project, including the opportunity to play under Pep Guardiola and compete for major titles, is a strong attraction for Guehi. To counter the financial benefits of a free transfer, City is reportedly assessing how they can structure an offer that compensates for the lost signing-on fee and higher salary.

Ultimately, Guehi's decision will likely hinge on whether he prioritizes immediate financial gain or the opportunity to join a club competing for major honors under a world-class manager. The next few days are crucial in determining whether Manchester City can persuade Guehi to make the move this month or if he will wait until the end of the season to decide his future.