PALACE WANT TO SIGN 26-YEAR-OLD WHO PLAYS LIKE DROGBA

Well, the Italian news outlet believe Crystal Palace expressed admiration for the Angola international in 2020 when he was in top form under Vincenzo Italiano, and they have now reignited their interest in the striker. Nzola has rediscovered his form under Luca Gotti after a difficult 2021/22 campaign with Thiago Motta at the helm, scoring five goals in just nine appearances so far this season. Interest from Patrick Vieira comes after Fulham actually submitted a bid worth £11.5m for the 26-year-old back in January, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, which Spezia rejected as they deemed it too low an offer.

However, Crystal Palace could have better luck with a similar bid, as Nzola becomes a free agent when his contract expires in July. West Brom also expressed an interest in the striker around the time of Fulham’s bid, according to Citta della Spezia. Nzola is far from a household name, so you may wonder what type of player he is. Interestingly, during his fruitful spell under Italiano, the 44-year-old actually described his talisman as a “young Drogba” in what was a bold statement.

Speaking to Tuttosport, he said Nzola is a fast striker, good at attacking the box and making the team play well. And that he sees a young Drogba in him.  The Ivorian scored 104 Premier League goals during a hugely successful period at Chelsea, so if Nzola can even match half of what Drogba achieved in England, Crystal Palace should be all over him in 2023. Vieira certainly needs a new striker at Selhurst Park after allowing Christian Benteke to leave for D.C. United without signing a replacement, so be sure to keep an eye on this situation.

It remains to be seen if Palace will make a move to sign the player in the January winter transfer window.