Report: Crystal Palace to battle Brighton to sign Ruben Aguilar

By Will Jones

According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are set to battle it out with Brighton for the signature of Ruben Aguilar. The Eagles are keen to bring the Montpellier right-back to Selhurst Park as a replacement for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. 

However, the south London club’s bitter rivals, Brighton, are also interested in the 26-year-old. An ensuing bidding war could commence, which would drive the price of the Frenchman up.

Crystal Palace simply have no choice but to sign a right-back this summer though. The £50 million sale of Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United has left a big hole in Roy Hodgson’s squad. As things stand, Joel Ward is the only remaining natural right-back in Hodgson’s squad. Martin Kelly can also fill in as a full-back if needed, but both options represent a significant step down from the standards Wan-Bissaka set last season.

(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Aguilar would be an upgrade on Ward. He is a reliable, consistent defender, with plenty of potential to improve further. He made 29 appearances in Ligue 1 last season and is now ready to take the next step in his career. 

When it comes to finding a replacement for Wan-Bissaka, Aguilar is a strong contender. He is a realistic, affordable target who will add quality to the ranks at Selhurst Park. However, in order to secure his services, they may have to first beat off Brighton.