Arsenal handed new title race twist as £30m star explains Liverpool rejection

Marc Guehi has completed a £30million transfer to Manchester City from Crystal Palace, with the defender declaring that he has joined 'the best club in England'

Marc Guehi has said he is now at the finest club in England after joining Manchester City despite Arsenal leading the Premier League by seven points.

Guehi's move represents the latest twist in this season's title race, as Arsenal's rivals address a squad weakness. City have conceded seven more goals than the Gunners so far and kept two fewer clean sheets.

Crystal Palace had one fewer shutout with Guehi captaining them than the team sitting in second place. Last season's FA Cup winners have allowed four more goals thus far, but two of those came in their skipper's absence during the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday.

The England defender touched down in Manchester aboard a private jet on Sunday to complete the formalities and pass his medical. Guehi has put pen to paper on a lucrative deal worth a minimum of £200,000 weekly, tying him to the Etihad until 2031.

Whilst Guehi will be unavailable for Tuesday evening's Champions League fixture against Bodo/Glimt, he is due to make his bow against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. The 25-year-old revealed he rejected approaches from several other sides to join City, pointing to Pep Guardiola's influence and the prospect of silverware as decisive factors.

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Guehi nearly moved to Liverpool during the summer transfer window. However, he has delivered a blow to the Merseysiders by insisting he has now joined the nation's premier club.

He said as his arrival was confirmed: "I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player. This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career.

"I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players. It feels good to be able to say that.

"I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that's going to happen. I love football; it has given me so much for so long, and to be able to continue my development at Manchester City is a really special moment for me and my family.

"I absolutely cannot wait to get started now. I want to meet my team-mates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do."

City's director of football, Hugo Viana, has heaped praise on the new signing, describing Guehi as a "huge" talent who will significantly strengthen the title contenders. Viana commented: "It's clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now, so we are absolutely delighted the decision to bring him to Manchester City was made."

He continued: "I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has shown already he is a leader, a brilliant professional and someone desperate to improve.

"He is strong, has exceptional defensive qualities, is an intelligent reader of the game, and brings passion and energy every time he steps onto the pitch. Marc is entering the prime years of his career. I am sure every City fan is excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt."

With 26 England caps to his name, Guehi is due to feature in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States this summer.