Crystal Palace are preparing a £50m bid for West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen as they consider the England international as a replacement for Ismaila Sarr.
Bowen, 29, remained with West Ham despite their relegation to the Championship and recently signed a new contract with the club. However, Palace are prepared to test the Hammers’ resolve as they look to strengthen their attack.
Palace target Bowen as Sarr nears exit
Palace are expecting Sarr to leave the club, with Galatasaray pushing to complete a £34m deal for the Senegal winger.
Sarr was left out of Palace’s opening-day defeat by Everton as he continues to attract interest from the Turkish side. The 28-year-old reportedly wants to move in search of Champions League football.
Sarr scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and played an important role in Palace’s successful Conference League campaign.
Palace manager Pierre Sage is therefore keen to find a suitable replacement, with Bowen emerging as the club’s preferred target.
West Ham face Bowen dilemma
A move for Bowen would represent a major blow for West Ham, who are struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
The Hammers are yet to win in the second tier and suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Charlton in their latest fixture. Taty Castellanos missed a stoppage-time penalty in the game, while supporters questioned why Bowen had not taken the spot-kick.
West Ham’s financial difficulties could increase the pressure to consider Palace’s proposal, although selling their captain would risk further angering an already frustrated fanbase.
Bowen scored 11 goals in all competitions last season as West Ham were relegated on the final day of the campaign.
Palace previously came close to signing the winger in January 2020, when they were competing with West Ham for his signature after his impressive spell at Hull City.
West Ham eventually won that race for £22m.
Palace will now hope their proposed £50m offer can convince the Hammers to reconsider their stance, although Bowen’s recent contract extension means negotiations are unlikely to be straightforward.