Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah top target for free Crystal Palace transfer with Vieira also wanting PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare
EDDIE NKETIAH is Crystal Palace's top striking target - with PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare also high on Patrick Vieira's summer wishlist.
Arsenal legend Vieira wants to go back to his old club for Nketiah as he chases up to four signings in the next transfer window.
Palace are also keen to strengthen in the centre of the park.
Conor Gallagher has been a sensation on loan - his form has led to three England caps - but will return to Chelsea at the end of the campaign.
Cheikhou Kouyate is out of contract in the summer while James McArthur, 34, has struggled with injury over the past year.
Sangare, 24, is a defensive midfielder who fits the profile admired by Vieira - someone unafraid of a challenge but composed and competent on the ball.
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He is viewed as a good fit for a young Palace side seeking to play more progressive football.
Palace face competition from Leicester City to land the £30million-rated Ivory Coast star, while Lens' Cheick Doucoure, 22, is a cheaper alternative also being considered.
Vieira is also keen to add to the forward line with former England Under-21 ace Nketiah his priority.
The 22-year-old is out of contract at The Emirates this summer.
Palace have failed in bids across the last two windows, but they have real hope they could snap him up on a free this time around.
There is competition from Germany, however.
And the Gunners' academy graduate hopes to secure a move to a Champions League club after impressing in recent weeks.
The south Londoners are keen to move striker Christian Benteke out, having tried to push through a move to Burnley in January.
Benteke snubbed a switch to Turf Moor during the window but has not started a game since January 1.
The Eagles could go further than four new faces this summer should any clubs come in for their players, although they are keen to reject any interest in Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise.