Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in Eintracht Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate as Pierre Sage considers further additions to his back line.
The Belgium international has also attracted interest from Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest following two seasons in the Bundesliga.
According to Bulinews, Frankfurt would consider offers between €20million and €25m for the 26-year-old.
No formal bid has yet been reported from Palace or either of the other interested Premier League clubs.
Theate joined Frankfurt from Rennes in 2024 before the move became permanent in February 2025. Frankfurt’s official announcement confirmed that he signed a contract running until June 2029.
Theate fits a clear Palace defensive need
Theate is naturally left-footed and can play at centre-back or left-back.
That versatility would provide Sage with another option on the left side of his defence, particularly while uncertainty continues around the future shape of the Palace back line.
The Belgium international also brings experience from Ligue 1, Serie A, the Bundesliga and international football.
Frankfurt reportedly paid an initial €13m to sign him permanently from Rennes, with the wider package capable of rising further through bonuses. A sale near €25m would still represent a useful return.
Palace have already added Óscar Mingueza on a free transfer, but further defensive business remains possible. ReadCrystalPalace’s latest transfer-window overview highlights the uncertainty surrounding Maxence Lacroix and the need to have replacements prepared before any major departure.
Theate’s ability to operate in a back three or four would make him a logical option if Palace need to replace a senior defender.
However, describing Palace as clear favourites appears premature. Bournemouth and Forest are also monitoring the situation, while no club is known to have opened formal negotiations.
For now, Theate is a credible target on Palace’s shortlist rather than a transfer approaching completion.
