Big call awaits Cabaye as Premier League return talk intensifies

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by psgmag.net

When Yohan Cabaye headed for the exits at Newcastle United back in January 2014, few outside of Tyneside could begrudge him a shot at the big time back in his native France.

When Paris St Germain come calling, and their riches are laid out on the table, it would be a big ask to expect anyone, not least a Frenchman, to ignore their advances and spurn an opportunity which may not present itself again.

For Cabaye, though, the Ligue 1 dream has become something of a nightmare.

PSG’s star-studded ranks often leave him operating in the shadows, with the 29-year-old far more accustomed to bench duty than he would like, or than he would have envisaged upon packing his bags for Parc des Princes.

He may, however, be about to be offered an escape route – one which leads back to familiar surroundings in England.

Premier League bosses remain aware of what he has to offer and what regular first-team football in their side could bring from the ex-Magpie.

Cabaye would be wise to listen to what they have to say as this is shaping up to be a big summer for him ahead of an important 12 months.

A year on from this point, the cream of the continental crop will be readying themselves for the final of Euro 2016.

That event will, of course, be staged in France and international football betting will be weighing up the hosts’ chances of challenging for the prestigious top prize.

Cabaye, as a man with 38 caps to his name, will be desperate to be involved, but knows he needs competitive minutes under his belt if he is to convince Didier Deschamps that he is deserving of a place in his final squad.

A move to England at this stage would appear to make a whole lot of sense.

There are, however, still potentially career-altering decisions for the talented midfielder to make as a he ponders a return across the Channel.

Crystal Palace have been vocal in their admiration for Cabaye, with co-chairman Steve Parish admitting to being in the hunt and hopeful of talking terms.

The Eagles will be aware, though, that Arsenal, long-standing admirers of the French schemer, are once again being mentioned as potential suitors.

The Gunners fought hard for Cabaye’s services back in 2013, with their interest turning heads and ultimately edging the former Lille man towards the door at St James’ Park – with it clear that he wanted to test himself at a supposed higher level.

Were Arsene Wenger to come calling again, it would be difficult to turn down potential title challengers and a club that can offer Champions League football – another stage on which to catch Deschamps’ eye.

Arsenal are, however, hardly short of creative spark in the middle of the park and Cabaye may find himself taking a sideways step in moving to the Emirates Stadium, with rotation and limited opportunities the last thing he needs right now.

Palace, as established Premier League competitors and an ambitious outfit heading in the right direction, would appear to be the logical choice, but Cabaye needs to think carefully – weigh up all of the pros and cons – before committing to a move that must deliver more than his last.

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