Crystal Palace Launch New £43m Bid for Wolves Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen
Crystal Palace have reportedly tabled a significant new offer to secure the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, as the Eagles intensify their search for attacking reinforcements during the current transfer window.
Palace's Striker Search Intensifies
The South London club's pursuit comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of their current top scorer, Jean Philippe Mateta. The French international has publicly expressed his desire to leave Selhurst Park this winter, despite having 18 months remaining on his existing contract.
Mateta, who has attracted interest from both Nottingham Forest and AC Milan, did not travel with his teammates for their recent fixture against Nottingham Forest. This follows his appearance in Palace's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, which may have been his final match for the capital club.
Transfer Details Emerge
According to reports from The Athletic's David Ornstein, Crystal Palace have submitted an official bid of approximately £43 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons, to acquire Strand Larsen from Wolves. This offer represents a slight reduction from their initial proposal earlier in the week, which stood at £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Ornstein has indicated that this revised figure should be sufficient to finalise the deal before the transfer window closes, with negotiations progressing through agent Jorge Mendes. The respected journalist posted on social media platform X that there is a strong chance Wolves will accept the offer.
Strand Larsen's Recent Form
The 25-year-old Norwegian striker enjoyed an impressive debut season in English football, scoring 14 Premier League goals while developing an excellent partnership with Wolves teammate Matheus Cunha. His performances contributed significantly to a six-match winning streak for the West Midlands club during their best period.
However, Strand Larsen has experienced a noticeable dip in form this season, managing just one league goal and failing to score from open play. This contrasts sharply with the summer transfer window, when Newcastle United reportedly had a £55 million bid for the striker rejected by Wolves.
Palace's Calculated Gamble
Crystal Palace's decision to pursue Strand Larsen at this juncture represents a substantial financial gamble, particularly given the striker's recent struggles in front of goal. Nevertheless, the club appears to have been forced into this position by Mateta's determination to secure a winter transfer away from Selhurst Park.
The Eagles seem to have beaten Championship side Leeds United to Strand Larsen's signature following an extended transfer saga. Meanwhile, reports suggest Wolves are already exploring potential replacements, with Southampton striker Adam Armstrong emerging as a possible target for the Old Gold.
As negotiations continue between the two Premier League clubs, Crystal Palace supporters will be hoping this significant investment pays dividends as they seek to strengthen their attacking options for the remainder of the season.
