Everton and Crystal Palace are in contention to sign FC Metz star Fabien Centonze, who could be available this summer.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Everton and Crystal Palace are closely monitoring the situation of Fabien Centonze. The FC Metz starlet is facing an uncertain future in France, with his club currently embroiled in a relegation battle. Currently sitting at the rock bottom of the Ligue 1 table, Metz are likely to cash in on their revered full-back this summer.
A right-back by trade, Centonze is one of Metz’s star players, becoming a first-team regular following his €3 million move from RC Lens in 2019. In almost three years, he has racked up 86 competitive appearances for the club, scoring six goals while mustering a total of four assists.
During his time in Ligue 1, the 26-year-old has earned a reputation for his ability going forward. He can provide the width out wide and has the knack for scoring the odd goal, making him a sought-after prospect in French football.
With Metz on the verge of relegation, clubs could jump at the opportunity to sign the defender on a cut-price deal in the summer, with Crystal Palace and Everton already involved in the equation.
Currently battling to survive relegation, Everton, in particular, are set for a crucial summer ahead. There might be significant changes to the squad and one of the priorities could be the full-back department.
The long-serving Seamus Coleman is on the final stage of his career while Jonjoe Kenny is out of contract at the end of the season. It has accentuated the need for a new right-back, with Wilfried Singo among the players currently on the radar of Frank Lampard, along with Centonze.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are on the verge of losing both Nathaniel Clyne and Martin Kelly at the end of the season. The Eagles have been linked with a move for Montpellier’s Junior Samba, but in Fabien Centonze, coach Patrick Vieira could find himself a proven alternative, who can perform at the highest level of football.
With over 200 combined appearances across the two divisions of French football, the 26-year-old offers vast experience. But more importantly, he is unlikely to cost a fortune as Metz draw closer to the brink of relegation. It could be a market opportunity too good to pass up for either of these Premier League clubs, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Centonze this summer.
