Crystal Palace explore moves for Morocco duo from Rennes and AS Roma

Crystal Palace are considering a double transfer approach for Morocco internationals Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and Neil El Aynaoui, with the London club looking at potential additions from Ligue 1 and Serie A.

According to Foot Mercato, Palace have identified Ait Boudlal, a defender at Rennes, and El Aynaoui, a midfielder with AS Roma, as players who could fit into their plans for the Premier League.

The two footballers are understood to be on the club’s recruitment list as Palace assess ways to strengthen their squad. The Eagles are not simply seeking short-term additions, but are also looking at players with the potential to develop and make a lasting contribution to the team.

Ait Boudlal is regarded as an appealing option for the defence because of his defensive reliability and scope for further improvement. His qualities could provide Palace with greater depth at the back as they continue to shape their squad for the demands of the English top flight.

El Aynaoui, meanwhile, is being considered for a midfield role. His profile is viewed as one that could give Palace greater physical presence and technical quality in the centre of the pitch. The club’s interest indicates a desire to add both greater depth and further options to its midfield department.

The interest is reportedly mutual. Foot Mercato says both Morocco internationals are particularly attracted by the possibility of moving to England. Palace’s project and the opportunity to play in the Premier League are understood to be important factors in their thinking.

However, no advanced negotiations have been confirmed at this stage. The next step will be to establish whether Palace’s interest develops into formal discussions in the coming days. For now, the club appears to have clearly defined its two Moroccan targets as it considers how to improve the squad while investing in players with significant potential.

The possible moves come as Palace prepare for their second match of the English league season against Manchester City. The fixture is due to take place soon, with the match also attracting attention from betting markets.

The odds listed by 1xBet place Crystal Palace at 4.90 to win, while a draw is priced at 4.00 and a Manchester City victory at 1.56. Those figures reflect Manchester City’s status as favourites for the contest, although Palace’s recruitment plans suggest the club is also looking beyond the immediate fixture and towards the longer-term development of its squad.