Marc Guehi first words as Man City seal £20million signing - 'I absolutely cannot wait'

Manchester City have made their second signing of the January transfer window after sealing a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for an initial £20million. The 25-year-old has signed a five and a half year contract at the Etihad.

Guehi has been a long-term target for Pep Guardiola and the Blues and the decision to secure his signature this month is a clear statement from City as they continue to chase glory on four fronts. The England international was out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season and had already confirmed he won't be signing a new deal. That meant he could leave for nothing in the summer and City have swooped to conclude a deal.

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Guéhi said: "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 teammates, train hard, understand what the manager expects of me and then show the City fans what I can do.”

City accelerated their interest in Guehi due to a defensive injury crisis that has seen Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol pick up injuries to join John Stones on the treatment table. That prompted the Blues to recall Max Alleyne from a loan spell at Championship club Watford

Talks between City and Palace accelerated earlier last week but Guardiola has admired Guehi from afar for a couple of seasons. He likes Guehi's calmness in possession, ability to bring the ball out of defence and his dedication to being the best footballer he can be.

The Spaniard also identified Guehi as the long-term replacement for John Stones. Guehi had his pick of around six clubs, including Bayern Munich and Inter Milan but once Guardiola's interest became known to him, his mind was made up.

Few players would reject the chance to work for one of the greatest managers of all time - and Guehi is no different. There is the added incentive of challenging for the biggest trophies in club football and regular Champions League competition. But Guehi has told people close to him that he expects Guardiola to take his game to a whole new level.

Guehi's arrival at the Etihad will spell bad news for Stones. He is out of contract at the end of this season, and was hoping to sign an extension with Guardiola's men. But no agreement has been reached, with Guardiola having reservations about the centre back's fitness problems.

Stones, who will be 32 in May, has been restricted to just seven league appearances this season due to injuries. And he knows he will fall down the pecking order once City secure the services of England team-mate Guehi.