Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all involved in a fierce transfer tussle for Brest defender Raphael Le Guen.

Premier League sides Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Fulham have each marked Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen as a key target for the summer transfer window. Crystal Palace are presently in front in the race for the defender, but Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could still make a late move as they urgently look for defensive cover for William Saliba after his recent injury.

Crystal Palace ahead in the race

As per reports from L'Equipe and Foot Mercato, Crystal Palace have become the leading contenders to sign Le Guen this summer. The Premier League outfit have already agreed personal terms with Le Guen, although Brest turned down their opening offer.

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage is pushing strongly for the deal, with the club in desperate need of a new central defender. They are yet to replace Marc Guehi, who left for Manchester City earlier this year, and they also need immediate reinforcements after Maxence Lacroix's recent move to Chelsea. Valued at €800,000 on Transfermarkt, Le Guen sees Sage's project as an ideal platform for his development.

Arsenal looking for defensive cover

Although Crystal Palace have made the first move, Arsenal are watching Le Guen closely. Arteta needs immediate short-term cover after Saliba suffered a back injury that is expected to keep him out for the next few weeks.

Arsenal have been actively chasing more experienced alternatives, with Ezri Konsa due to undergo a medical tomorrow before his expected transfer. However, the club were unsuccessful in their attempt to sign Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen. As a result, Arsenal continue to keep Le Guen on their radar. The London side regard the defender, who made six Ligue 1 appearances last season, as an exciting long-term option who can also add instant depth at the back.

Fulham slipping behind in the battle

Fulham have also shown strong interest in Le Guen, but Alvaro Arbeloa's team seem to be falling behind in the contest for his signature. Fulham have sold Issa Diop to Ipswich Town and could also lose Jorge Cuenca to Benfica, which would leave Calvin Bassey and Joachim Andersen as their main central defenders. Fulham need urgent reinforcements and see the 19-year-old as an ideal answer. In spite of that need, they have found it difficult to match the rapid progress Crystal Palace have made in talks. Le Guen prefers the sporting project put forward by Sage over the other options available to him.

What's next for Le Guen?

Crystal Palace are expected to make an improved bid to Brest in the next few days to complete the transfer. If Arsenal choose to step up their interest in order to bring in another option alongside Konsa, a bidding war could quickly develop. Le Guen must now decide whether to stick with his verbal agreement with Crystal Palace or wait for a firm offer from Arsenal.