Crystal Palace have emerged as a likely destination for Atletico Madrid striker, Nicolas Gaitan. The striker has failed to make an impact at the Wanda Metropolitano after his arrival from Benfica for £20m.
Gaitan, who made the move to Atletico last summer is reportedly frustrated at his lack of game time at the Spanish capital and is ready to swap teams in favour of more time on the pitch. In his one and a half year at the club, he has been unable to break into the first team let alone cement his spot.
Given the fact that another attacker in the form of Diego Costa will be returning to action from January for Atletico Madrid, the situation for Gaitan might become even drier.
He had already been linked with moves to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur back in January during the transfer window period and it seems that this time around the rumours may come true.
His agent Jose Iribarren has added fire to the fuel by confirming rumours that the player is unsettled at the club.
“I can tell you English clubs are interested,” Iribarren told Foot Mercato.
“Yes, he’ll undoubtedly leave Atletico in January. He has a lot of concrete offers. Nicolas was an important player when he played in Argentina, at Benfica and with the national team.
“He can’t continue in these conditions. If he can’t play a string of matches, nor win the coach’s trust. A player wants to play. We’re going to see with Atletico which solution we can find.”
This comes as a huge boost to struggling side Crystal Palace who have lately improved on their horrific start to the season under newly appointed Roy Hodgson.
The effects of Hodgson for the Eagles have been immediate and quite refreshing for the fans as they dug themselves out of the relegation zone with just one loss in their last 11 Premier League outings. However, they are not out of danger just yet with the second half of season still left.
The Daily Mail claims that funds will be made available to the 70-year-old manager this January even with the club currently facing a £100million bill in redeveloping their home stadium, Selhurst Park. Hodgson is eager to add quality to the attacking lineup as well as the defensive end. With Wilfried Zaha already attracting so much interest from top Premier League sides, he might have to find a replacement in Nicolas Gaitan.
