Crystal Palace remain interested in signing Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer, according to reports.
What’s the story?
The Scottish Sun claim Palace are one of several sides keen on securing the highly-rated 23-year-old’s signature over the coming weeks, although fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly leading the race.
Newcastle United and Italian outfit Roma are also credited with an interest in Edouard, who only has 12 months remaining on his current contract at Celtic Park.
Imagine him and Wilfried Zaha
Since arriving on Scottish shores back in 2017, the £15.3m-rated gem has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, bagging 83 goals and providing 27 assists in 169 appearances for the Hoops.
In his last three campaigns with the Glasgow giants, Edouard has scored a minimum of 22 goals in all competitions, highlighting his natural ability to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis.
Once described as an “outstanding footballer” by former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey, the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate would be a valuable addition to Palace’s ranks and could provide the necessary firepower to steer them towards a 10th consecutive top-flight campaign.
The Eagles have already secured the signatures of several exciting, young acquisitions in the current window, but with the departure of Andros Townsend and Michy Batshuayi, further reinforcements in the final third may be required.
Although Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has been open about his desire to leave Selhurst Park once again this summer, the Ivory Coast international now looks set to stay in south London, and that could lead to a deadly duo forming next season.
Edouard is also renowned for his link-up play and eye for a pass as well as his goalscoring ability, with an average of 1.2 key passes per league game in 2020/21, and nine big chances created evidence of that.
Therefore, the combination of Zaha and Edouard would one capable of striking fear into any Premier League defence, as both men are equally comfortable being the creator or finisher.
Such fluidity is exceptionally hard to defend, and therefore, chairman Steve Parish must sanction Palace’s move for the former France Under-21 international before fierce rivals Brighton snap him up.
And, in other news…Heir to Gary Cahill: Parish must complete Palace move for £16.2m-rated “monster”