Crystal Palace could now hold talks to sign an “incredible” Premier League forward this week, with Oliver Glasner keen on additional reinforcements in attack.
Palace keen on new forward alongside Johnson
Brennan Johnson became Palace’s first signing of the January transfer window, and the former Tottenham Hotspur man made his debut against Macclesfield in the FA Cup, being brought on as a substitute at half-time.
However, the Welshman was unable to make the desired impact, with the FA Cup holders ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against the sixth-tier side, in what was one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition.
Glasner was disappointed with the lack of threat his side posed going forward, saying: “I have no words for this performance.
“It’s not just losing, it’s creating almost no chances. It was really hard to watch, there was no physical presence, no kind of quality in our attack. This is what makes it so disappointing.”
The Eagles’ form has been alarming, failing to win any of their last nine matches across all competitions, so some new additions may be needed this month, and there has been a fresh update on their pursuit of a new forward.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are set for crunch talks over Marc Guehi’s future this week, and negotiations with Manchester City are expected to get underway soon.
The discussions may commence this week, and there is a feeling Oscar Bobb’s name could also be discussed, with it previously being revealed Palace are keen on signing the forward, who could be available for a fee of £30m.
With Antoine Semenyo recently arriving at the Etihad Stadium, there are doubts about Bobb’s role in the Man City squad, which could pave the way for an exit, while centre-back Nathan Ake may also be discussed, given the uncertainty surrounding Guehi.
Crystal Palace enter race for "elegant" centre-back after Marc Guehi update
The Eagles are looking to sign a new centre-back.
ByDominic Lund "Incredible" Bobb may need to leave Man City
Even prior to sustaining a hamstring injury in December, the Norwegian was finding it difficult to hold down a place in the City starting XI, often being benched by Pep Guardiola or used as a second-half substitute.
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At 22-years-old, the winger needs to be receiving consistent game time, which may be even harder to come by following the arrival of Semenyo, so leaving Man City could be a wise move.
Palace could be getting their hands on an exciting young player, given that he has been lauded as “incredible” by Pep, and he has already started to prove himself in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Bobb’s development was hampered somewhat as a result of breaking his leg last season, but the City ace, who has impressed across a range of attacking statistics over the past year, could be a brilliant signing for Palace.
Oscar Bobb’s key statistics
Average per 90 (past year)
Assists
0.16 (81st percentile)
Progressive carries
3.71 (99th percentile)
Successful take-ons
3.39 (99th percentile)