“Deal Imminent: Crystal Palace are set to sign Star from Aston Villa on a loan deal until the summer, with a buy option likely to be included.

“Deal Imminent: Crystal Palace are set to sign Star from Aston Villa on a loan deal until the summer, with a buy option likely to be included.

Crystal Palace appear to be edging closer to securing a significant addition to their attacking options, with Evann Guessand poised to arrive from Aston Villa on a loan deal that would run until the end of the current season.

Reports suggest that the proposed agreement is expected to include an option to buy, giving the South London club flexibility as they plan for both the short and long term.

According to information from The Telegraph, negotiations between the two Premier League sides have progressed positively, and Palace are confident of completing the temporary signing.

Guessand’s situation at Villa Park has played a major role in shaping the move. Since joining Aston Villa in a £22 million transfer last summer, the young forward has struggled to command regular minutes under Unai Emery, finding himself on the fringes of the starting XI.

His desire to play consistently, particularly in his favoured central attacking role, has opened the door for a switch away from Birmingham—at least on a temporary basis.

For Crystal Palace, this potential deal is closely tied to the uncertainty surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker has been one of Palace’s key attacking figures, but his future at Selhurst Park looks increasingly uncertain.

Mateta is understood to be keen on pursuing a new challenge, and his stance has prompted Palace to actively explore replacement options in the transfer market. Several clubs have expressed strong interest in securing his signature, making his departure a real possibility in the coming weeks.

Initially, Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan were heavily linked with Mateta, but the momentum around a move to Serie A has since slowed. Instead, the Premier League now appears to be the most likely destination should he leave Palace.

Nottingham Forest have already submitted an offer, while Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

Palace, however, have made their position clear: they value Mateta at around £40 million and will not sanction his exit unless a suitable replacement is secured first.

In their search for reinforcements, Palace had previously made significant progress in talks for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. That deal was reportedly valued at around £50 million, including add-ons, and for a time it appeared to be nearing completion.

More recently, though, discussions have cooled, prompting Palace to reassess their options. Guessand’s name then emerged as a more attainable alternative, and developments since suggest he has moved to the top of their shortlist.

Despite only joining Aston Villa last summer, Guessand has struggled to carve out a consistent role in Emery’s system. When he has featured, it has often been out wide or operating just behind the main striker, positions that do not fully align with his strengths.

The 22-year-old is believed to be eager for an opportunity to play through the middle, where he feels he can make the greatest impact and continue his development. A move to Crystal Palace could offer exactly that, particularly if Mateta departs.

There had previously been talk of Guessand being included in a potential swap deal, as Aston Villa once held an interest in Mateta. While Villa have since cooled their pursuit of the Palace striker, discussions between the clubs have remained open.

Palace have now reportedly agreed terms on a loan arrangement for Guessand, with a purchase option included should he impress during his spell in South London.

If the deal is finalised, Guessand’s arrival would likely signal the end of Palace’s pursuit of Strand Larsen.

Attention would then turn to how quickly the young attacker can adapt to Oliver Glasner’s system and the demands of leading the line in the Premier League.

Replacing Mateta—if and when he leaves—will be no easy task, given the Frenchman’s physical presence and proven goal-scoring ability.

Nonetheless, the move represents an intriguing opportunity for both player and club. For Guessand, it offers a chance to secure regular football in his preferred position and demonstrate his true potential.

For Crystal Palace, it could be a smart, low-risk solution as they navigate a potentially transformative period in their attack.

Whether Guessand can rise to the challenge and make the role his own remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on Selhurst Park should the deal be completed.