Crystal Palace’s pursuit of OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand has hit a roadblock after the French club rejected a £28 million offer, effectively killing the deal for now, as reported by Nice-Matin on August 2, 2025. The 23-year-old forward, who recorded 13 goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season, has expressed a strong desire to move to the Premier League or Bundesliga, but no firm bids have followed Palace’s attempt. Manager Oliver Glasner, aiming to bolster his attacking options to three ahead of a demanding season that includes the Europa League, now faces challenges in securing a new striker, with Villarreal also linked to Guessand after losing Thierno Barry to Everton.
Guessand’s openness to a Premier League move had made him a prime target for Palace, who are navigating a precarious transfer window with key players like Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi attracting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, respectively. The rejection of the £28 million bid, which fell short of Nice’s valuation, underscores the financial hurdles Palace face under owner John Textor, especially after their failed attempt to sign Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck for the same amount. Guessand’s physicality and versatility as a No. 9, honed during loan spells at Lausanne and Nantes, made him an ideal fit for Glasner’s high-pressing system, but Nice’s firm stance has forced Palace to reassess their targets.
The collapse of the Guessand deal adds to Palace’s transfer frustrations, as they recently saw Atalanta’s £30 million bid for their own striker Jean-Philippe Mateta rebuffed, with the club holding firm for a higher fee. Mateta’s transformation under Glasner, scoring 27 Premier League goals since February 2024, highlights Palace’s reluctance to lose key attackers without securing replacements. Guessand, who trained with Nice ahead of their Ligue 1 opener, remains a target for other clubs, with Villarreal’s interest intensifying. Palace’s need for a new forward is urgent, with Odsonne Edouard’s ineffective loan at Leicester and limited depth beyond Mateta and Eddie Nketiah.
As the August 30 transfer deadline looms, Palace are now linked with alternative targets like Manchester City’s James McAtee and Napoli’s Jens Cajuste to bolster their squad. Guessand’s desire for a Premier League move keeps the door open for other English clubs, but Palace’s failure to meet Nice’s demands has shifted their focus to finding cost-effective options. With the Community Shield against Manchester City approaching, Glasner’s ability to reinforce his attack will be crucial for Palace’s ambitions in the Premier League and Europe, leaving fans hopeful for a last-minute breakthrough in the transfer market.[](https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/crystal-palace-offer-rejected-dead-5254137)
