Crystal Palace Finalizes £50m Deal for Strand Larsen Amid Mateta’s Departure Pursuit

Crystal Palace has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen for a fee around £50 million. This development comes as the club’s interest in the 25-year-old Norwegian forward has grown significantly over the last day, prompting a formal bid that is expected to be submitted shortly.

Earlier this month, Palace set a new club record with their £35 million acquisition of Welsh forward Brennan Johnson. However, securing Strand Larsen would eclipse that previous record, marking a substantial investment in the player.

Wolves have indicated their willingness to part ways with the Norway international, provided they receive an amount close to the £55 million offer they turned down from Newcastle during the summer transfer window. Leeds had also submitted a £40 million bid, which Wolves rejected, and the team from Elland Road appears hesitant to increase their offer significantly.

This pursuit of Strand Larsen casts further doubt on the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta at Selhurst Park as the transfer window nears its end. Mateta has expressed his desire to leave Palace, making his intentions clear to the club’s management.

Clubs such as Juventus and AC Milan have shown serious interest in the French forward, while Nottingham Forest recently proposed around £35 million for his services. Mateta is keen on continuing his career in Champions League football, yet a move to Forest could provide a lucrative opportunity for the 28-year-old.

Palace Nearing Loan Deal for Villa’s Guessand

In addition to the Strand Larsen negotiations, Crystal Palace is on the verge of securing a loan for Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand. The Eagles had considered signing the 24-year-old last summer and are now poised to bring him on board until the season concludes, with an option to purchase included in the deal.

Guessand has found the back of the net twice in 26 appearances for Villa, both goals scored in the Europa League, as he has struggled to secure a consistent role as a central striker. The recent arrival of Tammy Abraham from Besiktas for £18.25 million likely positions Guessand as the third choice behind both Abraham and Ollie Watkins.

Although the Ivory Coast international has been willing to compete for his spot at Villa Park, a transfer appears imminent. Since joining Villa from Nice for £26 million last August, Guessand has only started six matches in the Premier League.