Crystal Palace are weighing up a number of targets to strengthen the squad in the wake of Michael Olise’s departure, but are cautious not to overpay given the large windfall they have received.
With the season fast approaching and the squad set to depart for their pre-season tour of America, the club are looking to strengthen in a number of areas and have a wide range of possible targets.
Marseille forward Ismaila Sarr has been the subject of heavy interest from the Eagles, with a deal expected to be completed in the coming days, The Palace Way understands.
Sarr, a long-term target of Dougie Freedman, is not seen as a direct Michael Olise replacement and is viewed by Palace as a player who can offer pace and versatility across the frontline.
The Senegalese international is understood to have had doubts over where he would fit in at Palace after feeling misutilised at both the French club and at his former club Watford.
Ryan Sessegnon, who had been training with Palace since the start of pre-season, now looks likely to sign a contract with former club Fulham.
This could allow Palace to act on their long-term interest in Gent full-back Archie Brown who would provide Tyrick Mitchell with much needed competition at left wing-back.
Brown, who is also capable of playing more centrally, is not the only defensive target that the Eagles have their sights on. The club are also in the market for another centre-back following the arrival of Moroccan Chadi Riad in June.
Benfica’s Tomas Araujo and Dortmund’s Soumaila Coulibaly are names that are being considered.
Palace did hold strong interest in Juventus winger Matías Soule but this has cooled significantly in recent times.
Freedman, after watching the Argentine at the end of last season, did not feel that the asking price was a fair reflection of the player's current ability and potential.
The Eagles’ interest was always limited by the high fee demanded by Juventus, with the Palace hierarchy concluding that better value could be found elsewhere.
As first reported by The Palace Way, a move for Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa has also been heavily explored.
However, the clubs are currently far apart in valuation, with Palace reluctant to meet Brugge’s current demands. It is possible that Palace could revisit the deal at a later stage but are currently looking into alternative options.
The Norwegian’s injury record has always been evident to Palace and is not thought to be a major reason for Palace’s uncertainty.
There is optimism that Brugge may yet reduce their asking price, but the Belgian side are not in desperate need of any potential proceeds after the recent sale of forward Igor Thiago to Brentford for £30 million.
Brentford made a gentleman’s agreement with Brugge to not pursue Nusa any further in order to complete that transfer, and will not rival Palace should they go back in for the teenage sensation.
Freedman and Palace have a history of only pursuing deals that fit with the club’s strategic vision. They were ready to walk away from the deal to sign Adam Wharton in January due to Blackburn’s demands.
The Lancashire club eventually reduced their asking price to a level that Palace were happier to sanction.
Palace have also been keen to pursue a deal for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe. The Eagles’ initial positivity has been reciprocated by the Croydon-born midfielder.
However, the North London side are currently thought to be unhappy with both the fee and the payment structure being suggested by Palace, who feel there could be alternative players available for better value.
Fulham are also interested in securing Smith Rowe’s services and have submitted a proposal worth up to £35 million.
Manchester City youngster James McAtee is another potential attacking midfield option, with Palace holding a long-term interest in the player's development. He would be a significantly cheaper alternative to Smith Rowe.
Additionally, there is tangible interest in Norwich City’s Gabriel Sara. The Brazilian winger is coming off the back of an impressive season in Norfolk, with 25 goal contributions in 46 appearances, and would give Palace a considerable goal threat from wide areas.
Palace have also been tracking a number of centre-forward options given the possible departures of Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew.
The club are still keeping tabs on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah but the striker looks increasingly likely to be heading to Marseille.
FC Basel’s Thierno Barry is another youthful forward option being considered to provide competition for Jean Philippe-Mateta. The 21 year-old’s progress has been tracked for a considerable amount of time and he could be the solution if Ayew or Edouard were to depart.
The recruitment team were also scouting Royal Antwerp’s George Ilenikhena, but the 17 year-old has opted to join AS Monaco.
As always, the South London club have a lengthy shortlist of players in both domestic and foreign leagues.