Right now a lot of the talk around Crystal Palace’s transfer window is in regard to the players who Oliver Glasner might lose.
Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi continue to be linked with moves away, even if Crystal Palace are close to extending Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract.
But following Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win back in May, there is still reason to be positive on the transfer front.
Palace are targeting Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, a seriously talented centre-back who’s previously been on the radar of clubs like Arsenal.
And whilst it remains to be seen what happens in regards to Eze and Guehi, Oliver Glasner should expect serious additions to his squad ahead of appearing in the Europa League.
Crystal Palace submit offer to sign Oumar Diakite from Stade de Reims
That being said, Africa Foot are now reporting that Palace have made a bid to sign striker Oumar Diakite from Stade de Reims in France.
21-year-old Diakite made 26 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
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Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images
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And the report now confirms that Palace have tabled a €10m (£9m) bid to sign the striker following Reims’ relegation to Ligue 2.
Palace have been ‘tracking the player for some time’ and perhaps envision that he can learn from the likes of Mateta and Eddie Nketiah at Selhurst Park.
As mentioned, Palace will have a lot more games next season, perhaps explaining the need for three central strikers.
Furthermore, the report claims that Palace have already offered the striker a five-year deal.
And whilst Reims are not keen to sell the striker, Diakite wants to play for Palace in the Premier League, which should strengthen the English club’s position in any negotiations.
Oumar Diakite wants to play for Oliver Glasner
Palace fans who don’t watch a lot of Ligue 1 would be forgiven for not knowing too much about Diakite right now.
But in their analysis last year, Breaking The Lines described Diakite as having a ‘unique’ profile.
They wrote: “The 20-year-old forward’s profile is unique — tall, powerful, and fast, capable of dribbling masterclasses typically expected from shorter players.”
And one year on from that analysis, it would seem that Diakite has made steady progress, even in a struggling Reims side.
As mentioned, the now 21-year-old might find it difficult to steal minutes from Mateta and Nketiah to begin with at Selhurst Park.
But perhaps Glasner will look to play two strikers on occasion, particularly during the club’s European campaign.