Defence is undoubtedly one of the main talking points around Crystal Palace currently, as Maxence Lacroix now looks closer to the exit door than ever before.
The Eagles are also yet to find a replacement for Marc Guehi, who left during the January transfer window for Manchester City. And Palace’s only summer signing has also been a defender in the form of Oscar Mingueza, who they brought in on a free transfer.
Now, if Lacroix does indeed end up leaving amid interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, it would make things a lot tougher for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace’s summer transfer window so far
If the Eagles are to carry on with their brilliant form this season, the club management will need to strengthen manager Pierre Sage’s squad going into the new campaign.
As per the reports, the south London side is already keeping tabs on the likes of Chrislain Matsima and Charlie Cresswell as major defensive targets. But there are more on their radar.
Reported interest in Tiago Gabriel
According to a recent article from Record (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace have moved into the strongest position to sign Lecce defender Tiago Gabriel.
Premier League club Bournemouth also showed interest in the 21-year-old, but as things stand, Palace are in a better position to sign the centre-back this summer.
The report also suggests, that the Serie A side has fixed a transfer fee of €20 million for the Gabriel’s suitors to pay during this transfer window.
With the Portuguese centre-back’s current contract set to expire next year, Lecce should be more than happy if the Eagles agree to pay the €20 million asking fee.
Palace are expected to sit across the table with Lecce during the coming days and try to lower the fee a bit and get Gabriel on board as soon as possible.
Gabriel’s brilliant form last season
The youngster was pivotal in Lecce’s fight to stay in the Serie A last season, as they finished four points ahead of relegated side Cremonese.
Gabriel was an out-and-out starter for Lecce during the previous campaign with his solid displays in the back. The Portuguese defender’s height of around 6’5″ gives him a clear advantage in aerial duels along with his ball playing abilities, which are a must for a modern defender.
Benfica were also reportedly interested in Gabriel alongside the likes of Roma and Como, and Paris FC are even thought to have started talks with the Italian side.
But as things stand, Palace are seemingly leading the race for the signature of the 21-year-old, as they now desperately look to reinforce their defence before Lacroix’s potential departure.
