Carlton Palmer believes Crystal Palace may have dodged a bullet after failing to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal.
Eagles boss Patrick Vieira, who was named as Roy Hodgson’s successor following a prolonged managerial search in July, was keen to add a striker to his ranks before the transfer window slammed shut earlier this week.
Vieira, an Arsenal legend having made 396 appearances for the Gunners during his playing career, returned to his former club in a bid to sign Nketiah.
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However, Palace were unable to strike a deal as the north Londoners valued the 22-year-old at £20million – double the fee Vieira’s side were willing to pay.
As a result, the Eagles turned their attentions elsewhere and completed the signing of Celtic frontman Odsonne Edouard for £14million, with the fee potentially rising to £18.5million.
Nketiah has scored 13 goals in 65 Arsenal appearances and former England midfielder Palmer believes the striker would have struggled to become a regular goalscorer at Selhurst Park.
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He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “It’s difficult because if you’re a youngster going to a club, you need the club to be in a position where they’re going to create chances for you and things are going well.
“If you stick a youngster in a side that’s struggling, it affects their confidence and long-term future. You have to be very careful.”
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