EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham and Crystal Palace to battle for 'next Griezmann'

Steve Kay

• Updated: 15 Oct 2024 14:01 BST
• 6 min read

Exclusive

Lille's Hakon Arnar Haraldsson has caught the attention of Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, FootballTransfers can reveal.

We are told that Premier League head coaches Ange Postecoglou and Oliver Glasner have sent scouts to watch the young attacking midfielder in Ligue 1, with the belief that he is similar to French star Antoine Griezmann due to their similar build and technical prowess.

Like the Frenchman, Haraldsson is adept at linking up play, intelligent movement and ability to both score and assist goals, as well as making a difference in the attacking third.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

With Tottenham and Palace both looking to the future, Haraldsson is seen as a potential replacement for key players. Palace are planning for life without Eberechi Eze, should he leave, while Spurs could view Haraldsson as a successor to Heung-min Son, whose contract expires in 2025.

Haraldsson, known for his exceptional ball control and creativity, has quickly risen through the ranks. At just 21, he has already made 19 appearances for Iceland’s national team, scoring three goals.

Current ETV

Hákon Arnar Haraldsson

F (L), M (CL)

Lille

Hákon Arnar Haraldsson

F (L), M (CL)

Lille

€14M

ETV Range

€10.5M - €17.5M

View full profile

Right-footed and technically gifted, Haraldsson excels in tight spaces, maintaining composure under pressure and displaying a remarkable ability to create chances and dictate the flow of the game.

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A post shared by Hákon Arnar Haraldsson (@hakon_haraldsson)

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However, the Icelander recently suffered a setback, fracturing his foot, Lille will hope to have him back in time for their crucial Champions League fixture against Real Madrid in October, but for now, both Premier League clubs remain keen.

United like Eze

FootballTransfers reported last week that Manchester United have been closely monitoring Palace winger Eze, with the club’s scouting department keeping tabs on the England international throughout last season.

However, according to sources, a potential move for Eze - who has a £60 million (€72m) release clause - remains out of reach unless a significant departure occurs from Old Trafford.

The names most linked to a potential exit are none other than Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, two of the Red Devils' most high-profile players. If either of them were to be sold, it would clear the financial room for Man Utd to make a serious bid for Eze.

We hear that United are attracted to the 26-year-old due to his versatility. The Crystal Palace star can operate in both positions currently occupied by Rashford and Fernandes, which explains why the club has been so keenly scouting him.

His ability to play as an attacking midfielder or as a wide forward makes him an appealing target for the Red Devils, particularly as they look to bolster their attacking options.