Crystal Palace could be set to benefit from Viktor Gyokeres’ imminent move to Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon.
Gyokeres’ switch to the Gunners is finally nearing completion, after a drawn-out transfer saga that has lasted for well over two months.
Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to bring in the 27-year-old for a fee of around £63.5million, with final details being ironed out ahead of his medical in North London.
However, the move could have an unexpected positive impact on Crystal Palace’s summer business.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the Eagles’ pursuit of Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande could be aided by the completion of Gyokeres’ transfer.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Sporting’s bank balance will be boosted by the sale of Gyokeres, which will make it easier for Crystal Palace to agree a move for Diomande.
Palace are in advanced negotiations over a £45m deal for the centre-back, as they prepare for the potential exit of captain Marc Guehi.
Wyness added that the 21-year-old will be a great addition to Oliver Glasner’s squad.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think that we’ll see Sporting Lisbon come to a resolution soon over Gyokeres, which means they’ll have a fair bit in the kitty.
“That would allow Palace to do a structured deal, because I know that Sporting are sticking out for a big cash payment up front for Gyokeres, whereas with Diomande, I think they’re going to be a little bit easier to deal with in terms of a structured payment situation.
“I think Palace could pay his £45million asking price and get that done. He’d be a great addition to the squad.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are now unlikely to pursue a move to sign Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta as they close in on signing Hugo Ekitike, sources have told Football Insider.
Liverpool held talks with Mateta’s representatives in Paris in the last week as they planned to explore a number of options up front, but their interest has gone no further.
Instead, the Reds are now making progress towards signing Ekitike. Sources have told Football Insider they have submitted an offer worth £78million, with add-ons being discussed.
