FC Augsburg winger Ruben Vargas attracting interest from Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are considering a move for FC Augsburg winger Ruben Vargas, as Roy Hodgson aims to replace Wilfried Zaha next season.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, Wilfried Zaha, 30, has moved to Galatasaray, with the speedy winger signing a three-year deal with the Turkish club following the expiry of his Crystal Palace contract. The Ivory Coast international had attracted interest from plenty of clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Lazio, Napoli, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr, but it was Galatasaray who won the signature.

Losing Zaha—undoubtedly Crystal Palace’s best player in recent seasons—is a big blow to Roy Hodgson. In addition, Michael Olise is also attracting interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, and while Hodgson and the club want to keep hold of him, a potential departure of the Frenchman would leave the Eagles thin in the wide department.

As a result, Crystal Palace are reportedly in the market for a new winger and have set its sights on signing FC Augsburg’s Ruben Vargas on loan.

Vargas, 24, joined FC Augsburg from FC Luzern in 2019 and has gone on to make 119 appearances for the German side in all competitions, racking up 18 goals and 15 assists. He had a pretty mixed 2022/23 campaign, where the 24-year-old could only muster three goals and five assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances as Augsburg narrowly beat the drop.

Ruben Vargas has the qualities to thrive at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have struggled to get going in the summer transfer window, managing to bring in Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth so far. Having lost Zaha, and with chances of Olise departing this summer amid interest from Premier League duo Chelsea and Man City, Roy Hodgson has therefore turned his attention to Ruben Vargas.

Last season, the Eagles struggled for goals, netting just 40 in 38 Premier League fixtures, and Roy Hodgson insisted more players needed to contribute in front of goal. The signing of Vargas should provide the Eagles’ attack with much-needed spark and cutting edge to unlock tight defences. The Switzerland international is agile, pacey and dynamic, and his ability to play in multiple positions across midfield and attack will provide Hodgson with some welcome versatility should he sign on the dotted lines.

Direct and dangerous in the final third, it is not hard to understand why Hodgson wants him at Selhurst Park. It remains to be seen how concrete Palace’s interest is in Vargas, but Palace will be hoping that they seal a much-needed second summer signing following the arrival of Jefferson Lerma.

All in all, a talented player like Vargas has the required qualities to thrive at Selhurst Park.