Crystal Palace targets French defender Chrislain Matsima

Crystal Palace are monitoring Augsburg centre‑back Chrislain Matsima as a potential replacement for departing captain Marc Guehi, who moved to Manchester City in January. The 24‑year‑old French international has made over 50 Bundesliga appearances this season, despite a tendon injury that limited his game time late in the campaign. Sky Sports reported that Palace view Matsima as a strong option to strengthen their defence ahead of a maiden Europa League campaign under manager Pierre Sage, especially as the future of current defender Maxence Lacroix remains uncertain.

Matsima, a product of the Monaco academy with loan spells in Ligue 1, was signed by Augsburg for £4.2 million and has represented France at every youth level. The club’s interest comes as they seek to fill the defensive gap left by Guehi’s departure and consider alternatives to a rumored Chelsea pursuit.