Crystal Palace eye Chelsea transfer swoop as departing midfielder attracts interest

Crystal Palace have announced the addition of midfielder Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer. The Colombia international has penned a three-year deal with his contract with fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth officially up at the end of this month.

The Eagles have the chance to bring in some more players when the transfer window opens. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours coming out of the club...

Departing player attracting interest

Departing Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur is reportedly wanted by Luton Town and Sheffield United this summer, as per a report by TEAMtalk. The 35-year-old is leaving Selhurst Park after spending the past nine years with the South London outfit.

He has made 253 appearances for the Eagles in all competitions and has scored 19 goals. The ex-Scotland international, who played for his country 29 times, started his career at Hamilton Academical before moving down to England to join Wigan Athletic where he later won the FA Cup.

Defender emerges on radar

Crystal Palace are believed to be ‘keen’ on Chelsea right-back Derrick Abu along with rivals Brighton and Hove Albion and relegated Southampton, according to AllNigerianSoccer. The Germany-born defender, who is 19-years-old, has been on the books at Stamford Bridge since 2012 after joining them from Coezer FC and has since risen up through the academy ranks.

He has been a regular for the Blues at various youth levels over recent years but his pathway into their first-team in blocked by the abundance of options that they have at their disposal in his position. The England youth international has a big decision to make on his future amid reported interest from other other teams.