Crystal Palace are ‘still discussing’ a deal for Flamengo’s £17 million-rated wonderkid Matheus Franca despite interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Arsenal.
If AFC Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma does indeed become Crystal Palace’s first signing of the summer window, his arrival would perhaps represent a slight break from recent tradition.
At 28, going on 29, Lerma would add some serious experience to a Palace side who, in the last few windows at least, have set their sights on youth instead. The Colombia international, a free agent in July, will become only Crystal Palace’s second addition over the age of 26 since the summer of 2021.
Reports from the Daily Mail indicating that Chelsea’s teenage left-back Lewis Hall and Flamengo starlet Matheus Franca remain high on the club’s wishlist, however, suggest that Jefferson Lerma will be more an exception rather than the norm.
18-year-old Hall has been one of few bright sparks in a dark season at Chelsea. Franca, only a few months Hall’s senior, is an exciting, highly-technical forward who could slot in very neatly alongside Ebere Eze and Michael Olise, while honing his talents under the wing of a potentially outstanding mentor in the shape of Wilfried Zaha. a
Assuming The Eagles legend signs a new deal at Selhurst Park, of course.
Will Crystal Palace sign Flamengo starlet Matheus Franca?
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United failed with a £17 million bid for Franca in January; the Brazilian giants refusing to cash in after losing fellow starlet Joao Gomes to Wolves.
Flamengo are reportedly willing to consider offers in a similar bracket just six months on, however, with the Daily Mail adding that Crystal Palace are ‘still discussing a move’ for a Brazil U20 international who has been on the club’s radar since 2022.
“Franca is an attacking midfielder and there is a real talent there,” South American expert Tim Vickery told Sky Sports of a player likened to fellow Flamengo graduate – and now Real Madrid superstar – Vinicius Jr.
“He’s strong on the ball and he’s got a lovely dip of the shoulder.”
“It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when (Flamengo are) at full strength. So, I think Flamengo would be open to selling him. But they want money.”
Palace will face competition from Arsenal as well as Newcastle, according to The Chronicle. Arsenal have a record track record when it comes to signing Portuguese-speaking talent, with Brazilian director Edu Gaspar luring fellow youngsters Marquinhos and Gabriel Martinelli to the Emirates in recent times.
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