Amid doubts over Marc Guehi’s future at the club, Crystal Palace are now reportedly racing to sign a Serie A defender who they’ve already scouted throughout the current campaign.
Crystal Palace in form ahead of Wembley
In a week that could yet end in history, Crystal Palace couldn’t be in better form heading into this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. The Eagles haven’t tasted defeat in any of their last five games and looked a class above Tottenham Hotspur last time out as they eased to a 2-0 victory against their London rivals.
Oliver Glasner is well aware that victory over Tottenham was just a good start in an all-important week, however, after revealing how Crystal Palace will prepare for the FA Cup final this week.
The Austrian told reporters: “Yes, we will meet tomorrow (Monday). The players who started (against Spurs) will recover, the others will have a good and intense session.
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“Then there will be Tuesday off. The players deserve to recover, and, of course, the staff have already started to prepare. We will watch a few Man City clips as well, and Wednesday will be the start with the preparation for Man City.
“But we can’t do something different. It also makes no sense (to do that). It’s (about) showing what we can (do), who we are on our best level, and this is how we will enter the final, and then let’s see. Then, it’s football and everything can happen.”
Meanwhile, amid the chaos of potential silverware, Crystal Palace have also had to keep one eye on the fast-approaching summer transfer window. Amid reports that Guehi is set to be at the centre of interest from the likes of Newcastle United yet again, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on a potential replacement.
Crystal Palace scout Bologna defender Lucumi
According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now looking to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer after Steve Parish sent scouts on a fresh mission to watch the defender. Racing alongside the likes of Liverpool and Leeds United, those at Selhurst Park should push to sign the Serie A star as soon as they can, especially if Guehi does depart.
Starts
27
34
Progressive Passes
3.56
3.94
Tackles Won
1.04
1
Ball Recoveries
6.04
4.26
As the numbers show, Lucumi would be capable of stepping in and replacing Guehi in South London. What instantly stands out is how the Bologna defender has outperformed the Crystal Palace star when it comes to tackles and ball recoveries whilst almost matching him for progressive passes per 90.
Described as “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson last year, Lucumi looks destined for a move away from Italy. Whether that means a move to Crystal Palace is set to take place remains to be seen, however. It’s clear that he is talented enough for the Premier League, though.