Crystal Palace have decided to bid for Ismaila Sarr once again this summer – six years on from initially showing interest.
The Eagles have submitted an improved €15m (£12.6m) offer for the Senegal international – according to Fabrizio Romano – after Dougie Freedman saw an opening proposal rejected by Marseille.
Crystal Palace have also agreed personal terms with Sarr – who has already seen his No.23 shirt taken away at Marseille as an exit nears.
So, why have Crystal Palace decided to resurrect long-standing interest in the Senegalese forward this summer? Let’s take a look…
What Crystal Palace specifically want Ismaila Sarr to bring to Selhurst Park
A story from The Athletic now sheds some light on why Crystal Palace are pushing to sign Sarr this summer.
It is said that those at Selhurst Park specifically like the 26-year-old’s ability to run in behind opposition defences, a trait Freedman is placing huge emphasis on as the Glaswegian aims to bolster Oliver Glasner’s attack.
The Athletic add that Sarr is also capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, so his versatility is another point of attraction for Crystal Palace.
Throughout his career, the man from Saint-Louis has made 51 appearances on the left, 41 as a central striker and 150 on the right of attack.
Clearly, Sarr would be most comfortable on the right flank – an area Michael Olise has just left vacant – although Glasner will be able to use the speedy forward anywhere he pleases across the frontline.
Much needed upgrade
Jeffrey Schlupp and Jordan Ayew have done a lot for Crystal Palace, making 231 and 211 appearances respectively for the Eagles.
However, with Schlupp turning 32 in December, and Ayew celebrating his 33rd birthday in September, it is time for Glasner’s backup options to be freshened up.
We already have Matheus Franca – who should be ready to challenge for a starting role this season – and with the addition of Sarr for a price that looks set to be around the £14m mark in total, Crystal Palace now have a far younger, more athletic range of attacking depth behind Ebere Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
READ MORE: Oliver Glasner stunned by change he has seen in Daichi Kamada at Crystal Palace
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as an agreement between Crystal Palace and Marseille seems close.
