Crystal Palace eyeing move for “incredible” striker amid Mateta future update
Crystal Palace are now lining up a move for an “incredible” striker, amid a new update on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future at Selhurst Park.
Mateta attracting interest from rival Premier League clubs
Mateta bagged his eighth Premier League goal of the campaign in the 1-1 draw against Fulham on New Year’s Day, but Palace are at risk of losing their star striker, amid interest from a whole host of rival English clubs.
Manchester United have been named among the potential suitors for the centre-forward, alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, with the Frenchman’s future uncertain, as his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
Given that the Eagles are set to lose Marc Guehi on a free transfer, should they decide not to cash-in on their captain this month, they may be hesitant to let another key player’s deal run down, and there has now been a new update on Mateta’s future.
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), Crystal Palace would now be prepared to sanction the striker’s departure for a fee of around £50m, given that he has thus far refused to put pen to paper on a new contract.
As such, Palace have now started searching the market for potential replacements, and they are lining up a move for Strasbourg striker Joaquin Panichelli, who has been identified as their top target at centre-forward, having impressed scouts.
The Eagles are now seriously considering replacements for Mateta, and the Strasbourg star’s goal output, physical attributes and development have caught the eye.
"Incredible" Panichelli could be exciting Mateta replacement
Of course, Palace will be hoping their current striker opts to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, given how instrumental the three-time France international has been to their recent success, slotting away 17 goals in all competitions as Oliver Glasner’s side won the FA Cup last season.
However, should the 28-year-old move on, there are indications Panichelli could be an exciting replacement, having already chipped in with 11 goals in all competitions this term.
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The Eagles have been named as potential suitors for a centre-back.
ByDominic Lund
The Argentinian only arrived in France last summer, and scout Jacek Kulig has waxed lyrical about the way in which he has adapted to life in Ligue 1.
Crucially, Panichelli is still young at just 23-years-old, and Palace should continue to monitor his performances between now and the end of the season, at which point they may have a big decision to make about Mateta, whose contract will have just one year remaining.