Crystal Palace make contract proposal to AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are one of the many Premier League clubs showing interest in signing AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, according to Foot Mercato.

The Eagles are desperately in need of midfield reinforcement after losing Daichi Kamada for free, and Fofana has emerged as a viable target for the South London club.

Palace could use another holding midfielder to provide competition for Jefferson Lerma with Cheick Doucoure sidelined for the better part of two seasons.

Fofana caught the eye with his body of work in France and Italy, where he established himself as a capable ball-winner.

The Crystal Palace target is also adept at driving with the ball, although his decisions in the final third sometimes leave a lot to be desired. Still, he is a handy footballer to have in the ranks.

However, Palace will face plenty of competition from their Premier League rivals, with Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town expressing interest. Real Betis and Villarreal too.

With his club looking to raise funds after missing out on Champions League football, they want between €18 and €20 million to let the France international star leave.

Fofana could be a bargain for Palace

For Palace, this should be viewed as an exciting opportunity.

Fofana has the physicality, intensity and mobility to handle the demands of English football.

His experience at the highest level means he would not be arriving as an untested gamble.

The Premier League favours midfielders who can cover ground, compete aggressively and contribute without needing everything to be tailored around them.

Fofana fits that mould naturally, and there is still room for him to become a more complete player in the right environment.

The financial side makes this even more attractive.

At €18-20m, Palace would be getting a proven France international for a relatively modest fee in today’s market. He would be a terrific bargain.