Arsenal could face competition from a Premier League rival in pursuit of Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey with reports in Turkey saying Crystal Palace are ‘preparing’ an offer in the region of £17 million.
Roy Hodgson indicated last week that Joel Ward, a man revitalised following the former England boss’s Selhurst Park return, still had plenty to offer in the top-flight.
But at the age of 33, and with his 34th birthday only a few months away, the less sentimental members of the Crystal Palace fanbase may argue that the time has come to move on from the Ward’s, the Luka Milivojevic’s, the Nathaniel Clyne’s if the Eagles are to push on and leave the past behind.
Boey, more than a decade Ward’s junior, would hand Palace’s next manager – whether it be an Arne Slot, a Paulo Fonseca or another – an athletic, all-action right-back to match Tyrick Mitchell on the opposite flank.
Arsenal and Crystal Palace like Sacha Boey of Galatasaray
Galatasaray value Boey at around £22 million.
Crystal Palace, according to TRGT Haber, could test the waters with an opening bid of £17 million. Palace are not one of the Premier League’s most deep-pocketed clubs. But, as they showed when spending big on Cheick Doucoure last summer, they are willing to invest heavily in their top targets when the opportunity arises.
Boey, who rejected Celtic, is shining for a Galatasaray side at the top of the Turkish Super Lig. He admitted recently that the Premier League is a ‘dream’ destination.
Arsenal also hot on his heels. Mikel Arteta is weighing up whether or not to bring in a more natural right-back. One capable of competing with the versatile Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
‘Amazing’
“One player I really like is Sacha Boey,” says former Arsenal and Man City ace Bacary Sagna; who knows a thing or two about thriving as a right-back in the Premier League.
“I think he would fit Arsenal perfectly. As a right back myself, I have to say I think he is amazing. I’m sure he is in the minds of many clubs to sign.”
“Being followed flatters me. I hope that the interest shown in January can turn into something concrete at the end of the season,” the former Rennes youngster tells Transfermarkt, via TMW.
“I have I spoke to many defenders who have played in Serie A. They were all happy with the choice. In this regard, I received only positive feedback. If you play there, you are obliged to improve tactically and defensively. It is in the league’s DNA.
“My dream remains the Premier League, like for most players. It’s a league that suits my aggressive style of play. I also like the Bundesliga. There are full-backs who attack, fight.
“I have improved defensively but I miss attacking a bit.”
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