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 winter 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 Villa last summer, arriving from OGC Nice in a deal worth up to €35 million.

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

Guessand has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season. Only six of those have been Premier League starts.

He has scored twice in the Europa League, highlighting his limited domestic impact.

Villa’s January business has further reduced his pathway to the team. The arrivals of Tammy Abraham and winger Alysson have increased competition in attacking areas.

The Midlands have been open to a loan move to ensure Guessand plays regularly during the second half of the campaign.

CPalace have been tracking the player since mid-January. Discussions gathered pace after Villa registered an interest in Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta earlier this month.

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 a versatile option capable of operating across the front line. Palace believe his physical profile and pressing ability suit Glasner’s system.

The move would offer the player a chance to reset after a frustrating first half of the season.

The loan agreement will include an option to make the deal permanent. That clause would be set at approximately €30 million and assessed at the end of the campaign.