Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Crystal Palace’s star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, joining a host of other top-tier clubs vying for his signature.
The Blues have long been linked with a new striker, although have persisted with Nicolas Jackson this season. The 23-year-old has scored just nine goals this campaign, though, and in recent weeks has struggled in front of goal.
Mateta, meanwhile, has scored 13 goals in 28 appearances for the Eagles, with six of those strikes coming in his last five appearances. The 27-year-old Frenchman made quite an impression in his most recent match against Manchester United, scoring both goals in Palace’s 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.
As per TBR Football, Man Utd, along with six other Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Newcastle United, are all potential suitors for the Palace striker amidst doubts over his long-term future. Despite being under contract with the Eagles until 2027 following a 12-month extension, Mateta has yet to agree to new terms, reports the Express.
Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United are among the clubs also reportedly interested in Mateta, alongside Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille. The French striker, who joined Crystal Palace from FC Mainz 05 in January 2022, has flourished under the tutelage of Oliver Glasner.
Since Glasner took over from Roy Hodgson, the £9million signing has netted an impressive 26 goals in 41 games. Only Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah have outscored him in the Premier League during this period.
It’s possible Chelsea look to sign a new striker in the summer and have been linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres in the past. Mateta is Premier League proven, though, and could be a decent solution to Chelsea’s striker need.
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Chelsea ended the 2023/24 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with question marks over Mauricio Pochettino’s future at the club and plenty of talk around transfers.
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