Crystal Palace close in on Nice attacker Evann Guessand | OneFootball

Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal for Nice ace Evann Guessand, according to Chris Wheatley. Palace “are now in pole position and confident of getting it done”.

Guessand caught the eye of clubs like Crystal Palace after bagging 12 goals and eight assists with Nice last term.

Multiple clubs want the 24-year-old, but the Eagles are close to pipping others to his signature this summer.

Guessand had attracted interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United.

The Hammers reportedly submitted a bid for him in January and were ready to swoop again.

Guessand is a winger who operates off the right but loves to get into the box and create danger. He almost comes across as a striker but is a wide man by trade.

Guessand will provide competition for Palace’s unsung hero, Ismaila Sarr. The pair will battle it out for a place on the right side of the attack.

Guessand’s output last season speaks to his ability, and his skill set is well-suited to the Premier League.

Operating from the right, his high-level sprints, intelligent off-ball movement and ability to link play mirror traits seen in elite wide forwards such as Mohamed Salah.

Palace have been slow in the transfer market. They signed left-back Borna Sosa for around €4 million following the departure of Ben Chilwell, who returned to Chelsea.

The Eagles also snapped up goalkeeper Walter Benitez to back up number one shot-stopper Dean Henderson.

The former PSV Eindhoven goalie has been one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Europe over the past few seasons and is set to spend the twilight of his career at Selhurst Park.

Palace could soon be in the market for another attacker, with Arsenal closing in on Eberechi Eze. The Eagles would need a playmaker on the left flank to replace him.