z3u9t.icuCrystal Palace are now looking to sign an “absolutely incredible” attacking midfielder, who could be brought in as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, according to a report.
Tottenham reach agreement in principle to sign Eze
After the 27-year-old scored the winner in the FA Cup final, Palace were always going to find it difficult to keep hold of Eze this summer, and journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed Tottenham Hotspur have made significant progress towards finalising a deal.
As such, one of the Eagles’ most important tasks before the September 1st deadline will be to bring in at least one new attacker, and there is certainly no shortage of options on the shortlist.
Player
Current club
G/A in 24/25
Bilal El Khannouss
Leicester City
8
Hwang Hee-chan
Wolves
3
Christos Tzolis
Club Brugge
37
Raheem Sterling
Chelsea
6
Tzolis is arguably the most exciting option on the shortlist, given the Greek forward’s attacking exploits in the 2024-25 campaign, albeit in a weaker league than the other targets.
However, according to a report from Caught Offside, Crystal Palace also have their eye on another Premier League attacker, namely West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, who is now set to be available for around £30m – £40m this summer.
West Ham are now willing to cash-in on Paqueta, and they have dramatically dropped their asking price, having fielded offers of £80m at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Crystal Palace eyeing "clinical" £70,000-p/w Asian star as Eze replacement
The Eagles now look set to lose Eberechi Eze, with Tottenham Hotspur submitting a bid…
ByDominic Lund
The Eagles view the Brazilian as a marquee signing, who could offset Eze’s departure, but there could be competition for his signature from some top clubs, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City also named as potential suitors.
Paqueta could be "incredible" Eze replacement
The 27-year-old has certainly caught the eye in the Premier League in the past, with ex-teammate Declan Rice lauding him as “absolutely incredible”, while David Moyes described the Brazil international as “fabulous”.
Since then, the maestro hasn’t exactly kicked on, scoring just four Premier League goals last season, but in fairness, the former Lyon man did have spot-fixing charges hanging over his head, which he has now been cleared of.
Graham Potter believes a weight has now been “lifted” off the West Ham star, which suggests he could have a new lease of life next season, and given that he specialises in attacking midfield, he could be a direct replacement for Eze.
With West Ham making a very poor start to the Premier League campaign, Paqueta could be tempted to leave this summer, and Palace should have the requisite funds to sign him once the deal to sell Eze is completed.