Sources: Crystal Palace want to beat Aston Villa to Dembele deal
Crystal Palace are interested in signing Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Eagles have made a new striker a top priority for the upcoming transfer window and view the 26-year-old as a perfect candidate for the role.
Dembele is set to leave Lyon when his contract expires this summer, freeing him to join a new club on a free transfer.
Palace are already preparing a contract offer for the French forward, but understand they face competition from a number of interested Premier League clubs – including Aston Villa.
Unai Emery is also looking to add more firepower to his side as he continues to push Villa towards European qualification.
Palace are willing to offer wages to Dembele that match some of the club’s top earners, with the London side eager to secure his services.
They are looking for a new goalscoring talisman to replace Wilfried Zaha next season, with the 30-year-old set to leave Selhurst Park this summer when his contract expires.
Palace have been locked in contract talks with the player’s representatives, but Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (12 May) that it is ‘very likely’ that Zaha will leave.
Dembele has proven in France that he can match the attacking output of Zaha when in form, with the striker scoring 22 goals in 36 appearances in 2021/22.
He has endured a much more underwhelming 2022/23 season with only three goals in 27 appearances, but Palace are willing to take a risk that they can reignite Dembele’s form in London.
In other news, Crystal Palace open Michael Olise talks amid PSG twist