Crystal Palace close in new signing with winger arriving in the UK to finalise deal

Crystal Palace are close to replacing departed winger Wilfried Zaha with the signing of promising Brazilian winger Matheus Franca in the coming days.

The winger was previously linked to Chelsea and Newcastle but have moved on quickly to secure his signing and sources say he’s now undergone medical.

The Eagles made proposals for the Flamengo star who is valued at around £22 million. They faced stiff competition from Chelsea but, a move to Selhurst Park seemed favourable for Franca as it was unlikely he would be handed an immediate place in the starting XI at Chelsea.

Franca, who can play across the front line as well as in midfield, caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs following a breakthrough season with Flamengo. He will arrive in south London at a time the team have lost their talisman for the last six years and looking for a new star.

Last season Palace briefly flirted with relegation before Roy Hodgson stepped in and comfortably steered them to safety in the end, but the loss of Zaha and to a larger extent James McArthur last left the team with a mountain to climb.

The Eagles have also been linked to highly impressive Leeds United Wilfried Gnonto as one of the players that could add pace and Premier League experience to the team.

Roy Hodgson’s side will also have to deal with increased interest in winger Michael Olise with both Chelsea and Manchester City fighting for him.

Hodgson admitted they face a fight keeping the winger: “We have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us.

“We had two outstanding wingers who were almost the best in the league – Michael Olise on the right side and Wilf on the left.”

The Eagles will open their Premier League campaign against Sheffield United on August 12th.