Crystal Palace seem to have a long list of targets this summer, now it’s been confirmed one £40m player is on that list.
For Oliver Glasner, there will be several areas that Crystal Palace could improve this summer ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The list will be long, with priority on some new central defenders considering how short he’s been there after the switch to a back three.
But Palace will also be looking for a new forward and also a No. 9 to support, rival and possibly succeed Jean-Philippe Mateta as a starter.
This search for a striker has seen multiple options linked with a move to Selhurst Park.
But HITC’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told We Are Palace that one player is absolutely on the radar this summer.
Eddie Nketiah is definitely an option for Crystal Palace but there’s one problem
Speaking exclusively with Graeme Bailey, we’ve learned that this summer – like in January – Eddie Nketiah is a name on the list for Dougie Freedman to target.
“Definitely on Palace’s list, Palace want a forward. Palace like him, I can confirm they definitely like him and he’s on the list.”
However, a move to sign Nketiah wouldn’t be a simple one, as Graeme explained there is one problem with a potential deal.
“The problem is with him, Arsenal are demanding £40m. I can’t see Palace paying £40m for Nketiah.”
However, he then added that considering this fee isn’t a release clause, it could be that Palace can come to a more reasonable agreement through instalments or clauses.
The “underrated” striker would likely relish a move this summer given he’s started just 10 Premier League games this summer and has had just 32 minutes of action since March.
READ MORE: Who is Dougie Freedman? The Crystal Palace Sporting Director linked with Manchester United switch
Does Oliver Glasner need Nketiah?
Six months ago the answer to the above question would be unanimous among the fanbase with both Odsonne Edouard and Mateta not seen as good enough.
However, now five months on from the January window, spending £40m on a striker who, with all due respect, is no better than Mateta, doesn’t seem like the smartest choice.
Glasner has gotten a tune out of his big French striker which nobody else has been able to do at Palace, and his excellent performances this season may have earned him the Austrian’s trust.
So depending on the transfer budget, if it’s a striker Palace want, there should be more budget options considered first, as it’s no longer a priority.
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