Crystal Palace is reportedly competing head-to-head with Barcelona for the signature of Manchester City`s “incredible” defender, Nathan Aké. Sources suggest Pep Guardiola`s club is now open to sanctioning a sale for the Dutch international during the upcoming transfer window.
Eagles manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed his expectations regarding new player acquisitions in January. He stated that preparations began weeks ago, confirming, “Everything is already on track, and it`s just about getting the deals done.”
“We know this, the club knows this, the board knows this. I don`t want to talk [too much] about it because if everybody knows, it just gets more expensive. Everything is on track. [Sporting director] Matt Hobbs and Steve [Parish] are really working hard to get these deals done.”
With captain Marc Guehi`s contract situation unresolved, one of the primary tasks for Palace this winter or summer will be to secure a replacement centre-back. Several targets have already been identified.
Marc Guehi`s potential departure necessitates a defensive replacement.
Lens` Samson Baidoo, Sporting CP`s Ousmane Diomande, and Aston Villa`s Ezri Konsa have all been named as defensive possibilities for the Eagles. However, reports from Caught Offside now confirm that Palace is actively pursuing the Man City star, Nathan Aké.
The report indicates that Aké is available for a fee between €30m and €35m (£26m – £31m) in the forthcoming window. City is ready to sanction his departure, drawing interest from multiple parties, including AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, and West Ham United.
Aké`s future is set to be decided next month. While interested Premier League clubs are likely pushing for a permanent transfer, Barcelona reportedly prefers a loan deal with an option to buy.
Although losing their captain is less than ideal, Crystal Palace is prepared to secure a high-quality replacement should Guehi depart. Aké`s profile suggests he would be a robust signing for the club.
The 30-year-old possesses vast Premier League experience, boasting 243 appearances in the competition and winning the league title on six occasions across his spells at Manchester City and Chelsea.
Lauded as `incredible` by Pep Guardiola, the Netherlands international is highly composed in possession, averaging a remarkable 94.6% pass-completion rate over the past year. This statistic places him in the 99th percentile when compared to other centre-backs.
Aké, who currently earns £160k a week, would undoubtedly be a fantastic acquisition for Crystal Palace in January. A move would also make strategic sense for Manchester City, considering his limited role this season, where he has accumulated only 223 minutes across eight Premier League matches.
Rupert Fawcett
