Both in January and over the summer, Matheus Franca and his representatives met with a raft of European clubs.
Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Newcastle were all interested and Arsenal even reportedly lodged a £15million bid, but it was Crystal Palace’s offer the highly sought-after teenager was most impressed by. The Eagles pitched - and convinced - the youngster that Selhurst Park would be the best next step for his fledgling career.
