Crystal Palace are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder Matheus Franca, valued at €25 million by Flamengo.
According to Brazilian publication Lance, Crystal Palace have hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Matheus Franca. Flamengo want €25 million to part ways with the young Brazilian midfielder this summer.
Franca has been linked with a move to the Premier League since before the January transfer window this year. In recent weeks, South London club Crystal have emerged as one of the front-runners for his signature.
Apparently, Crystal Palace offered €15 million for the Flamengo midfielder. But the Brazilian outfit are holding out for a fee of around €25 million. Apparently, negotiations between the two clubs are now at an impasse, and Flamengo are waiting for the Premier League club to come back with an improved offer.
The 19-year-old midfielder is highly rated in South America, and he has a bright future ahead of him. He has the attributes to develop into a quality playmaker for Crystal Palace, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The London club certainly have the financial resources to pay €25 million for the talented young midfielder this summer.
Crystal Palace had a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, and they will look to improve on their performances next year. They need to improve their squad in order to do well in the Premier League next season. So someone like Franca would be a quality addition, and he has emerged as a viable target.
Meanwhile, the opportunity to join a Premier League club will be an attractive option for the talented young midfielder as well. Regular football in England will accelerate his development and help him develop as a footballer.
The reported asking price could look like a bargain if the Brazilian midfielder manages to fulfil his tremendous potential in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have already lost their attacking edge after the departure of Wilfried Zaha. So they need to bring in players who will add creativity and goals to the side.
The 19-year-old Brazilian can operate as a central attacking midfielder as well as a winger. His versatility will be an added bonus for Crystal Palace. Franca is certainly capable of making a difference in the final third, and it remains to be seen whether Crystal Palace are ready to break the bank for him.
