Crystal Palace agree loan deal for Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have reached an agreement in principle to sign forward Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international is expected to join before the transfer window closes, with Palace moving ahead of rival European interest.

The deal is designed to bolster Oliver Glasner’s attacking options as Palace reshape their forward line in the final days of the window.

Guessand only joined Aston Villa last summer, arriving from OGC Nice in a deal worth up to €35 million.

His time at Villa Park has been difficult.

Despite featuring regularly across competitions, he has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter under Unai Emery.

Guessand has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season.

Only six of those have come as Premier League starts.

His two goals have both been scored in the Europa League, highlighting his limited domestic impact.

Villa’s January business has further reduced his pathway to minutes.

The arrivals of Tammy Abraham and winger Alysson have increased competition in attacking areas.

As a result, Villa have been open to a loan move to ensure Guessand gains regular football during the second half of the campaign.

Crystal Palace have been tracking the player since mid-January.

Discussions gathered pace after Aston Villa registered an interest in Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta earlier in the window.

While the two moves are not formally linked, Palace’s pursuit of Guessand reflects planning around potential departures.

Mateta has attracted strong interest.

Nottingham Forest have previously made a £35 million offer, while AC Milan and Juventus are also monitoring his situation.

Palace have already acted to strengthen their attack.

Brennan Johnson arrived earlier this month from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal approaching £35 million.

The club are also close to a verbal agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

If Larsen completes his move to Selhurst Park, it would further increase the likelihood of Mateta leaving before the deadline.

Guessand is viewed as a versatile option capable of operating across the front line.

Palace believe his physical profile and pressing ability suit Glasner’s system.

The move also offers the player a chance to reset after a frustrating first half of the season.

Reports suggest the loan agreement will include an option to make the deal permanent.

That clause would be set at around €30 million and would be assessed at the end of the campaign.

With Palace continuing to manoeuvre aggressively in the market, his arrival is expected to be confirmed imminently.