Crystal Palace are eyeing up a January move for Bologna centre-forward, Mattia Destro. According to reports in Italian media, the 26-year-old is on his way out of Bologna. The forward has failed to live up to the expectations of the Italian club after his poor goalscoring record this season. The club officials have now decided to sell him if the right offer comes along.
Premier League clubs, Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion are both said to be “candidates for the purchase” of the Italian international. It is being reported that Bologna are putting a valuation of €5m on the player. Any club willing to pay a fee in that region would likely persuade Bologna to sell the player.
The forward had a fall out with Bologna manager, Roberto Donadoni recently which has also contributed to his downfall at the club. Some reports have also suggested that a number of Seria A clubs which includes Sassuolo, Torino and Verona are also showing interest in the player. In 2015, Bologna secured the services of the Italian forward from AS Roma for €8.5m plus bonuses. The club is now set to sell their striker for almost half the fee that they originally paid.
Crystal Palace remains keen on the striker although his recent goal-scoring exploits is a cause for concern if the Eagles do end up getting their man. Mattia Destro has featured 11 times for Bologna this season and has just managed to score one goal in Bologna’s 3-2 away victory over Hellas Verona. The former Roma forward also has two assists to his name.
The 26-year-old was once considered to be one of Europe’s most prolific strikers during his time at Roma. He had scored 29 goals in 61 appearances for AS Roma which even earned him an international call-up at the time. The forward featured for the Italian national team and has 8 international caps to his name.
It remains to be seen whether he can be the man to turn Crystal Palace’s fortunes if the Eagles end up signing him. The club has struggled to score goals so far this campaign. Roy Hodgson’s men have managed to score 8 goals in 13 Premier League appearances. Christian Benteke has been a shadow of his former self while Wilfried Zaha has struggled with injuries.
The recent victories against Chelsea and Stoke City have given them hope in the fight to save themselves from relegation. The January transfer window has the potential to make or break Crystal Palace’s season and opting for the Italian forward might prove to be a gamble not worth risking.
