Back in August 2020, Crystal Palace failed to sign Armel Bella-Kotchap after submitting a bid to VfL Bochum, before Southampton wrapped up a deal in June earlier this year. At the time of interest from Crystal Palace, The Athletic claimed the south Londoners and VfL Bochum were not far away from agreeing a fee for the Germany Under-21 international. However, a deal failed to materialise, and Southampton signed the 20-year-old for just £8.6m earlier this summer.
