- Crystal Palace targeting Matthis Abline
- Sunderland also keen on Nantes attacker
- French coaches want him in Premier League
Crystal Palace are reportedly battling Sunderland in the race to sign Nantes forward Matthis Abline. The Frenchman is in demand following an impressive season in Ligue 1.
Maxime Buchot relays a report from Télénantes, claiming that Abline is wanted in the Premier League by French coaches. Pierre Sage may therefore be the one pushing for the versatile attacker who has two years left on his contract.
Abline is a player Sage will know well from his time coaching in Ligue 1. He starred for Nantes last season, posting six goals and five assists in 32 league games.
Crystal Palace eyeing Matthis Abline
The report claims that bids for Abline could reach as high as €35 million including bonuses. That fee would be a record for Nantes.
Palace’s interest comes amid uncertainty over the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French forward has a year left on his contract and is back on AC Milan’s radar while Manchester United, Juventus and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs.
Abline spent most of last season playing on the left wing but is also used as a centre-forward. He can play across the frontline as well as in attacking midfield.
Abline’s attraction
Abline is yet another attacker to be linked with Palace, and a new attacking midfielder is on the club’s wishlist. He’s pacey and agile and boasts a poacher profile that has seen him post impressive numbers at Nantes.
The Eagles might have a decision to make on the left wing as Yeremy Pino is the only realistic option currently in Sage’s squad. Evann Guessand spent the second half of last season on loan from Aston Villa.
There’s no word on whether Palace are ready to sign Guessand permanently but he fared well at Selhurst Park. It seems unlikely that the club opt to sign the Ivorian and Abline.
