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Preston North End are linked with yet another striker, this time from Ligue 1 as OGC Nice’s Kevin Carlos could be heading to Deepdale. Reports have come out seemingly confirming Preston’s interest in the Spanish striker, who has massively struggled in Nice, failing scoring a league goal last season. The 25-year-old was signed off the back of a tremendous season in Switzerland where he scored 15 in all competitions to help FC Basel lift the Swiss Super League in 2024-25. According to French outlet Nice-Matin, OGC Nice are looking to reduce their wage bill and sell players to help fund their summer spending, with even some of their star players up for sale. This potentially means that Carlos could be available for a cut-price, saving Preston possibly millions in the process. The Spanish forward was signing from Basel for €6m last summer meaning Nice will probably want to recoup as much as that back as possible. Carlos is also subjected to interest from Turkish side Samsunspor, providing North End competition for his signature. Kevin Carlos’ Style of Play At six-foot-one, Carlos is a physically imposing centre-forward who likes to challenge for aerial duels and rough up defenders. Using his statistics from his 2024/25 season, we can paint a clearer picture of his style and his best attributes. He won 73 aerial duels (47.4% win rate), 148 touches in the opposition box, and 39 fouls won showcase his ability to battle and even attract fouls, winning free-kicks, and provide an aerial threat from them. With 34 headed shots (the most in the league for a forward), he scored two of his 13 league goals from headers, with 11 coming from his favourable right-foot. On Nice’s own club website, they talk about his profile and how it attracted them to sign Carlos, stating that he is able to drop deep, run in behind, and work tirelessly off-the-ball. Carlos also likes to contribute and involve himself in the build-up play. With Jusef Erabi through the door who fits a similar profile, it seems that North End are targeting a specific type of player and providing depth in that position. Erabi dominates aerially whilst Erabi has more speed to him – these interchangeable assets would be so crucial for Preston if they wish to be more dynamic in their attacking play. How Much Would He Cost? The aforementioned fee of €6m will be something that Nice will be aiming to recoup most of that fee, should they sell Carlos this summer. If Preston North End do submit a bid, you can imagine they may go for a loan deal with an option-to-buy for around £3m-4m. Alan Nixon reported via X that the Lilywhites do have money to spend in this transfer window and they’re looking to flex that by making statement signings. Carlos would be a tremendous signing for Championship level and would provide healthy competition in the forward position as well as giving the Spanish forward a new environment to settle into and prove his worth once again.