Crystal Palace Linked With A £12m Move For Versatile Ligue 1 Talent: Decent Option For The Eagles

Crystal Palace are reportedly keeping tabs on Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini and could make a move for the 24-year-old this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles are one of several teams interested in signing the talented attacking midfielder.

Fulgini has shot into prominence with his performances for Angers the past few seasons. The 24-year-old has made 124 appearances for the French club in all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists.

He helped Angers finish 13th in Ligue 1 last season, just three points off a top-half spot.

The versatile midfielder has two years left on his current deal and is expected to cost around £12m.

Angelo Fulgini: What will he add to the team?

New Palace manager Patrick Vieira is looking to build his side around a core of young players. The Eagles have already roped in 19-year-old French midfielder Michael Olise from Reading and 20-year-old defender Marc Guehi from Chelsea. At 24, Fulgini fits the profile of the player Palace are keen on.

The France youth international possesses tremendous dribbling ability; his pace and close control enable him to glide past defenders with ease. He completed 81 dribbles in Ligue 1 last season, and was the second most fouled player in Europe’s top five leagues.

He also has a great passing range and can pick out his attackers with pinpoint passes, as well as balls over the top. A versatile midfielder, Fulgini can play in multiple positions. Primarily deployed as a No. 10, he is just as comfortable featuring in a deeper role, as well as on the flanks.

Angelo Fulgini is also a threat from set-pieces. He has great technique and can unleash powerful strikes from distance. However, one aspect of his game that he has to improve is his decision-making. The 24-year-old tends to hold on to the ball far too long and dribble in dangerous areas, which could prove disastrous in the Premier League.

Off the ball, he likes to close down defenders and win back possession in advanced areas of the pitch.

Palace were heavily reliant on Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha for creativity last season. Fulgini’s arrival will not only ease some of the creative burden on those two, but will also add plenty of energy and flair to the Palace midfield.