Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as they seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window. With the club eager to add firepower to a squad that struggled for goals this season, Mateta has emerged as a potential, and somewhat surprising, target for Ruben Amorim.
The 27-year-old Frenchman has enjoyed a standout season at Selhurst Park, scoring 12 goals in 27 Premier League appearances and establishing himself as Palace's leading scorer. His strong form has caught the attention of several clubs, with United now among those considering a move. According to reports, Crystal Palace have set a price tag of around £40 million for Mateta, though they may hold out for a figure closer to £50 million.
Manchester United view Mateta as a more affordable alternative to high-profile strikers like Viktor Gyökeres and Harry Kane, who would command significantly higher fees. However, the move is not without controversy. Some pundits, including former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, have expressed skepticism about Mateta's suitability for United. Deeney suggested that although Mateta is in good form, he may not represent the step up in quality that a club of United’s stature requires.
Crystal Palace, for their part, are reluctant to lose Mateta and are reportedly preparing a new contract offer to persuade him to stay. Manager Oliver Glasner values Mateta’s contribution highly and sees him as a key figure in the club's future plans.
Despite the interest, there are indications that United may still be weighing their options. Reports suggest that former chief scout Mick Brown and other key figures at the club believe United could target other forwards with a higher ceiling. Some sources even claim the Red Devils are considering abandoning the pursuit of Mateta in favor of strikers with more consistent top-level experience.
As the summer window approaches, United’s striker search appears to be wide-ranging, with several names under consideration. Whether Jean-Philippe Mateta ends up at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but his rise this season has certainly placed him firmly on the radar of clubs looking to strengthen their squads.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with United fans eagerly awaiting the club's next moves in what is expected to be a crucial transfer window.
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