According to the Daily Star, Crystal Palace are considering launching a bid to sign Paulo Diaz. The Chilean right-back currently plies his trade for Al Alhi in Saudi Arabia, but is keen to move to a more competitive league. The Eagles are said to be weighing up a £5 million move for the defender.
Having sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United earlier this summer, the south London club are certainly in the market for a right-back. They have been linked with a number of options, including Arsenal outcast Carl Jenkinson. Diaz may well be on their shortlist too, however, they could face competition from River Plate for his signature.
Diaz is a talented player, but it would be a huge step up to the Premier League for the 24-year-old. He has not proven his ability to perform consistently at such a high level. It would be a gamble for Roy Hodgson to replace his star defender with the 17-cap Chile international.
The Palace boss would be better served by using a greater chunk of the funds raised from Wan-Bissaka’s sale to sign a more proven full-back. It is vital that a dynamic, modern, attacking full-back is brought to Selhurst Park this summer. The Eagles should not attempt to cut corners or try to fix this issue on the cheap.