EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace set to make move to sign highly-rated Serie A striker this January as Eagles look to bolster attacking ranks ahead of crucial second half of the season
Crystal Palace are now reportedly eyeing up a move for Genoa attacker Albert Gudmundsson in the January transfer window.
Roy Hodgson’s side have been lacking in firepower this season and may aim to strengthen their attacking options in the window, although funds may be limited, whilst a midfielder may be prioritised given the injury to Cheick Doucoure.
Gudmundsson has been one of Genoa’s top performers this season, with seven goals and two assists in 16 Serie A appearances, but Palace may face competition for his signature.
A report in a print edition of Tuttosport Newspaper has claimed that Crystal Palace, alongside Brentford and Aston Villa, have scouted the 26-year-old in recent months.
Gudmundsson is a versatile forward who can play as a number nine, behind the striker or even on the left wing, potentially making him a strong option to help replace Wilfried Zaha’s output.
The Iceland international has three years left to run on his deal, meaning a summer transfer would be more likely, and it is unclear what kind of fee will be necessary to land him.
Gudmundsson has been excellent in front of goal this season, scoring against the likes of Roma and Juventus, and was even compared to Mohamed Salah by teammate Kevin Strootman.
“If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long,” Strootman stated in November.
“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.
“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”
Given that Matheus Franca has not been given opportunities, Jordan Ayew will be away at AFCON and Zaha was not replaced in the summer, Gudmundsson would be a good addition if Palace can pull it off, but as it stands it feels unlikely that they will be able to pay a significant fee for him.
