Crystal Palace could now add a silky European talent to their midfield…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, the Eagles are considering Houssem Aouar as a target from Lyon, along with his compatriot Boubakar Soumare.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the latter, he stated: "I think that’s one Palace will look at alongside Houssem Aouar. I don’t know how realistic it is, but from what I understand, Palace are going to go for two or three signings.”

Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were quoted at a reported €25m (£21.2m) to secure Aouar's services due to his rapidly expiring contract.

Final piece of the puzzle?

If he can add this silky attack-minded midfielder to his squad, Patrick Vieira could perform a transfer miracle to tempt the man who was once one of the hottest prospects in Europe to SE25.

Bringing him in would also offer added competition for Eberechi Eze, who would in turn challenge both wingers for their placed in the team. The domino effect of Aouar’s arrival would instantly increase depth and competition significantly at Selhurst Park.

The Frenchman featured 36 times for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season and also captained his team on occasion. Still at just 24 years old, it feels like his name has been on the radar of many top clubs for quite some time.

He returned a fine haul of eight goals and four assists in total across the campaign, and with the added defensive security of Cheick Doucoure, Aouar could be the final piece of Vieira’s puzzle by completing Palace's fluid attack.

In addition to the tricky midfielder's goal contributions, he is also something of a pass-master. Alongside Doucoure, who himself ranks in the top 8% for progressive passes and carries among positional peers in Europe's top five leagues over the past 12 months, these two could pass opposition midfields to death - the Lyon ace ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for pass completion.

Once expected by The Guardian's Andy Brassell to become “something special”, a move to the Premier League could finally see him realise this potential. Coached by his legendary compatriot, who knows a thing or two about dominating a midfield, Vieira could mould Aouar into the perfect midfielder.

Having added plenty of defensive-minded reinforcements this summer, to bring in this highly-rated attacking midfielder could be the final piece of the puzzle to unlocking the Eagles' potential.

They could progress nicely up the table if Aouar comes to Selhurst Park takes well to the league, controlling games and threading key passes for the likes of Eze, Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise with his mastery.