Crystal Palace ‘finalising’ Evann Guessand loan from Aston Villa | OneFootball

According to The Athletic, Crystal Palace are finalising a loan for Evann Guessand from Aston Villa, with an option to buy expected at season’s end. The 24-year-old is expected to travel to London to complete the move.

He has attracted interest from several European clubs, but Palace have been seen as front-runners. On 20 January, they were said to be weighing up a move after Villa showed interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Guessand joined Villa in August from Nice in a deal worth €35 million, comprising a €30 million upfront fee plus €5 million in add-ons.

The Ivory Coast international has struggled this season, scoring only two goals in all competitions and starting six Premier League matches. He has made 21 appearances, with both goals coming in the Europa League.

Palace have already strengthened in attack, with Brennan Johnson arriving from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee approaching £35 million. They are close to a verbal agreement to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If Larsen arrives at Selhurst Park, it could pave the way for Mateta to leave. Nottingham Forest previously made a £35 million offer, while AC Milan and Juventus have also shown interest.

Villa have added competition in forward areas this month, signing Tammy Abraham from Besiktas and winger Alysson from Gremio, leaving Guessand with a more crowded route to regular game time.

Source: NY Times