Crystal Palace transfer target Farès Chaïbi is in advanced negotiations with a Premier League club. The 23-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder featured for the full 90 minutes in his side's Bundesliga opener at the weekend, a 3-3 draw with 1. FC Union Berlin.
According to a report from German outlet Bild, representatives for the Algerian international are now in advanced talks with at least one unnamed English top-flight side. The report, relayed by sports.yahoo.com, states that "the English club appeared ready to step up their interest in the midfielder." No final decision has been made on Chaïbi's future, with the summer transfer window set to close later on Tuesday.
Why is Chaïbi a target for Palace?
Farès Chaïbi offers a creative option in central midfield, an area where Palace could seek reinforcement. The club has started the Premier League season with two consecutive defeats, leaving them in the table with zero points. They have scored just once while conceding six goals, resulting in a minus-five goal difference. This difficult start, which leaves them behind early leaders Manchester City, may accelerate efforts to strengthen the squad before the deadline. You can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Chaïbi's availability for the full match in Frankfurt's season opener suggests he remains a key part of their plans, but advanced negotiations indicate a move is a serious possibility. Crystal Palace were previously linked with the player by Bild earlier in the window.
How does he fit into the current squad?
The potential addition of a midfielder like Chaïbi would provide manager Oliver Glasner with more tactical flexibility. The Eagles' squad is currently dealing with several absences, with defenders Chadi Riad and Ismaïla Sarr sidelined alongside striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. These injuries are detailed on our injuries page. Integrating a new signing quickly would be important given the immediate fixture pressure.
Palace's next match is an away trip to face Fulham. Fulham currently sit in the table, making it a significant early-season encounter for both sides. A positive result at Craven Cottage is important for halting the team's poor form.
What happens next in the transfer window?
With the transfer window closing imminently, any deal for Chaïbi would need to be finalized rapidly. The report stresses that discussions are advanced but a final agreement is not yet in place. This leaves a short window for negotiations to conclude, medicals to be arranged, and paperwork to be submitted before the deadline passes.
For Palace, securing a player of Chaïbi's profile could address a need in the engine room. The club's activity in the remaining hours of the window will be closely watched by supporters eager for reinforcements. All confirmed squad changes can be followed on our squad page.
The immediate focus for the team, however, shifts to the pitch and the upcoming match against Fulham on Saturday.
