Crystal Palace Join Sunderland in Race for Nantes Forward Matthis Abline
Crystal Palace have reportedly entered the race to sign Nantes attacker Matthis Abline as the club continues to assess options for strengthening its forward line ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has emerged as one of the most sought-after young attackers in Ligue 1 following an encouraging campaign with Nantes, where he produced a series of eye-catching performances despite the club enduring a difficult season.
According to reports in France, Palace face competition from newly-promoted Sunderland, who are also monitoring the striker’s situation closely. Interest in the player is growing, with several clubs believed to be keeping tabs on his progress after a productive season in the French top flight.
French journalist Maxime Buchot, citing a report from Télénantes, claims that Abline is attracting attention from clubs managed by French coaches in England. That could explain Palace’s interest, with Pierre Sage said to be familiar with the player from his years working in Ligue 1.
Abline enjoyed a solid campaign for Nantes, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 32 league appearances. While those numbers may not immediately stand out, his overall contribution, versatility and development throughout the season have earned widespread praise.
Reports suggest that any deal could cost as much as €35 million including performance-related bonuses. Should Nantes receive that figure, it would represent a record sale in the club’s history.
Palace’s interest also arrives at a time when uncertainty continues to surround the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and has once again been linked with a move away from South London.
Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly maintaining an interest in Mateta, while Manchester United, Juventus and Newcastle United have also been credited with monitoring the situation. Palace are therefore understood to be exploring alternative attacking options should developments accelerate during the summer transfer window.
One of Abline’s biggest strengths is his adaptability. Although he spent much of last season operating from the left flank, he is equally comfortable playing through the middle as a centre-forward. He can also feature across the attacking line and has occasionally been deployed in an advanced midfield role.
That flexibility could prove valuable for Sage as he looks to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season.
Palace remain keen to add further creativity and attacking depth during the transfer window, and Abline appears to fit the profile of player the club are targeting. Quick, intelligent in possession and sharp inside the penalty area, the Nantes forward has developed a reputation as a dangerous attacking threat.
Whether Palace decide to formalise their interest remains to be seen, but the competition for Abline’s signature is clearly intensifying as the summer window gathers pace.
