Crystal Palace have received a welcome boost to their summer plans following a number of key developments – including some potential incomings to the club.
An article by Matt Woosnam of The Athletic will undoubtedly conjure a smile to the faces of Palace fans far and wide, with Palace’s main left-back Patrick van Aanholt said to be making a speedy recovery following the dislocation of his shoulder at the tail-end of the 2019/20 season.
The experienced Netherlands international’s injury in a 2-0 home defeat against Manchester United, against whom he scored in the reverse fixture, paved the way for Crystal Palace’s academy product Tyrick Mitchell to make two competitive starts in the Premier League.
Mitchell impressed throughout the final two games of 2019/2020 and especially in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in the closing game of the season. His ability to nullify the attacking threat of Lucas Moura, and his overall defensive acumen, will undoubtedly position himself in contention to provide ample backup and competition to van Aanholt.
The Dutch defender, famed for his attacking threat, managed three match-winning goals across the previous season.
Elsewhere, the same article provides an exciting update on the Eagles’ pursuit of Armel Bella-Kotchap. The German youth international has been the subject of interest from Crystal Palace, with his parent club VfL Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga receiving a bid from the south London side.
According to Woosnam, the teams are not ‘far off in valuation’, with a deal potentially close to being agreed.
Twitter: Patrick van Aanholt expected to return earlier than initially thought from a dislocated shoulder for #CPFC.
Traini… https://t.co/OkfFc89T1j (@MattWoosie)
At just 18 years old, the young centre-back could represent excellent defensive value for the Eagles, having already been capped at a youth level for Germany. He was memorably ever-present in giving Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski a difficult game in a 2-1 defeat in the DfB Pokal for Bochum.
Elsewhere, reports by The Mirror (20 August, page 57) have indicated that Palace are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Ryan Fraser after offering a three-year contract to the Scottish international. Fraser is a free agent after running down his contract with relegated Bournemouth towards the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
Only former Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard set up more Premier League goals than Fraser in the 2018/19 season – but the 5’4 winger only managed a lone goal and four assists in the following campaign.
Whilst the previous season is scarcely representative of the agile winger’s true ability, it remains to be seen as to whether Roy Hodgson’s side will be the ultimate destination for one of Bournemouth’s key former talents.
