Crystal Palace have reportedly avoided massive competition in their pursuit of 18-year-old Bilel Hassaini this summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were in pole position for the signing of the former French under-17 international and PSG were Hassaini’s preferred destination. However, the report reveals that a move will not happen this summer which opens the door to two Premier League sides.
Arsenal and Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move for Hassaini and PSG pulling out of the race should come in as welcome news for both sides. Footmercato revealed last week that both London sides have made offers for the teenager but Palace’s offer should look a lot more promising for him ahead of next season.
Arsenal want Hassaini to make his way up through their under-23 setup while Roy Hodgson’s side are willing him to offer him an immediate role in their first team. Playing in the Premier League is an exciting prospect for any young player in the world and the Eagles’ offer seems good enough for the youngster to make a switch.
Hassaini would be an ideal understudy to Andros Townsend on the right flank and the youngster has the potential to even replace the former Spurs man in the very near future. Hassaini possesses electric pace and this combined with his impeccable dribbling skills makes him almost impossible to stop.
The teenager would certainly light up the Premier League if given regular game time, and under Roy Hodgson he can expect a lot of chances which will certainly help accelerate the process of him reaching his full potential in the coming years.
Palace should push hard for a move now that PSG have pulled out of the race and if they can beat Arsenal to the signing of Hassaini, Roy Hodgson could well pull off one of the most exciting deals of the summer.
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