Alan Nixon reports for The S*n that whilst Crystal Palace are on the lookout for strikers this summer, they appear set to turn away from bringing one in from Arsenal.
Palace have been linked with both Folarin Balogun and Eddie Nketiah in the past, but they’ve reportedly received no encouragement from Arsenal over either deal.
As a result, they’ve instead turned to Che Adams, and they look set to move for the Southampton striker instead.
With Southampton starting the new campaign in the Championship, you’d imagine Adams will be keen on the move.
But the Saints won’t want to lose him as they vie for promotion, especially after his winning goal on the opening day of the new season.
Whether Palace succeed in their pursuit of Adams or not, it seems a move for Balogun or Nketiah is off the table.
Arsenal are likely to be particularly hesitant to sell Nketiah at the moment, with Inter Milan strongly pursuing Balogun and Gabriel Jesus injured.
The Gunners have other options up front, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli also available. But if Balogun leaves, Nketiah will be Arsenal’s only dedicated centre-forward until Jesus returns.
When it comes to Balogun, the issue is likely just the price Palace are willing to pay. Arsenal seem to be open to a sale, but they want £40-50m for the move.
If Palace were open to a bid in that bracket, the Gunners would probably welcome the competition for Inter Milan’s proposal.
So if Palace aren’t receiving any encouragement, that suggests they haven’t indicated they’re willing to meet the asking price.
