Crystal Palace are ready to battle Premier League rivals for the services of Gregoire Defrel this summer, as reported by Italian news outlet Corriere Dello Sport. The Eagles are hugely interested in the services of the AS Roma forward but could face stiff competition from Everton, West Ham United and a few other Serie A clubs.
Roma paid a whopping fee of £20 million to sign Defrel from Sassuolo last summer but have rarely utilized him since. After arriving at the Italian capital, the Frenchman started just five league games and made two starts in Roma’s impressive UEFA Champions League campaign as they reached the semi-finals.
And reports have been rife regarding Defrel’s imminent exit from the club this summer even though the striker is keen to prove himself at Roma, alongside his former manager Di Francesco next season. But, with sources claiming that the Premier League trio of Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all converging to sign the 27-year-old this summer, Roma might be forced to listen to offers.
Crystal Palace, in particular, have been eager to sign a top-class centre-forward this summer as they prepare for life without Wilfried Zaha. The former Manchester United starlet is hugely expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window with Chelsea, Everton and even Borussia Dortmund showing keen interest.
The Eagles could also face a host of problems in their goal-scoring department next season. Star striker Christian Benteke has failed to live up to the expectations last season. He scored only three goals in 31 appearances, which is unacceptable for a player of his calibre.
Additionally, Alexander Sorloth has featured in only four games since joining the club earlier last year while Connor Wickham has struggled with injuries for the most part of his career at Palace. Therefore, the addition of a new striker is imperative as they aim to make an impression in the Premier League next season.
And many believe Gregoire Defrel fits the bill perfectly. The quick-footed striker showed tremendous promise during his time with Sassoulo scoring 23 goals in 73 games. But what makes him such an intriguing candidate for Crystal Palace is his powerful and speedy style of play in the final third, which is perfectly suited to the physically demanding Premier League.
However, it remains to be seen if Roma are willing to listen to offers for Defrel this summer and with a host of clubs vying for his signature, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga takes shape during the remainder of the window.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
