Reigning English FA Cup Champions Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal to sign 19-year-old French forward Sidiki Cherif from Angers.
Although he’s not a spectacular prolific goalscorer, Oliver Glasner’s side view the Angers’ striker as one for the future.
As per Get Football News France, Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with the two-time Ligue 2 winners, and are confident of completing the deal in the coming days.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored just one goal in his last ten games across all competitions. The French striker is out of form, and Christantus Uche, on loan from Getafe hasn’t been able to fill the void, just like Eddie Nketiah.
Cherif has scored seven goals four goals in 17 league games for Alexandre Dujeux’s side, helping them to 10th place in the French top flight.
Although the Eagles have the upper hand in the pursuit of the Conakry-born striker, they’re not alone in the pursuit. Paris FC also expressed an interest in signing the 1.85m tall forward before pulling out of negotiations.
Angers are requesting 25m for the teenager’s services. It is unknown if Crystal Palace are willing to pay such a high amount for an unproven striker, but if that happens, Sidiki Cherif will be Les Noirs et Blancs most-expensive export.
Overall, Crystal Palace haven’t been in good form. The reigning FA Cup winners have been knocked out of the FA Cup this season. Glasner’s men have one win from their last ten games, losing five games, and drawing five.
After starting the season in the top half of the English top-flight, Palace now find themselves in 13th place, and their next run of fixtures are not looking good.
They’ll be playing against Sunderland, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Manchester United.
For Angers, parting ways with Cherif will mean they have to get into the transfer market immediately to secure a replacement before the window slams shut.
