Crystal Palace will look to sign 22-year-old Senegalese international Antoine Mendy from Ligue 1 club OGC Nice this summer.

According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Fiorentina and Udinese are also interested in Antoine Mendy, with the two Serie A clubs submitting enquiries for a summer move. However, they may have fallen behind Crystal Palace in the race to sign the 22-year-old OGC Nice centre-back in the ongoing transfer window.

Per Foot Mercato, the Eagles are “following the situation closely” and have shown the “most pressing interest” among all the suitors. Meanwhile, OGC Nice will not stand in the Marseille-born defender’s way, with the Ligue 1 club demanding €15 million to part ways with him in the coming weeks.

Antoine Mendy and his career so far

Antoine Mendy has established himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs since breaking into the first-team squad at OGC Nice. Born in Marseille, the 22-year-old spent his formative years in France but has picked Senegal as his national side. After passing through the academies at Burel FC and SC Air Bel, he graduated from the youth division at OGC Nice.

Mendy has made nearly 100 appearances for OGC Nice thus far while chipping in with two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the Senegalese international’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the coming weeks.

London calling?

Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Antoine Mendy addresses immediate defensive needs. The Eagles already had the need to fill Marc Guehi’s void after the Englishman joined Manchester City earlier this year. Additionally, Chelsea recently signed Maxence Lacroix, which has exacerbated the issue at the South London club.

Several candidates, including Odilon Kossounou, have thus emerged in Crystal Palace’s shortlist.