Manchester United are set to be in the market for a new striker this summer and it’s understood that Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has admirers at Old Trafford
Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a shock summer transfer target for Manchester United, with the Frenchman seen as an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s favoured shape.
The Red Devils are expected to sign a new striker at the end of the season with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – a summer signing from Bologna – struggling to plunder goals on a regular basis in the Premier League.
It’s been well documented that Amorim is keen on a reunion with Viktor Gyokeres, who became one of Europe’s most prolific strikers while working with the Portuguese coach at Sporting Lisbon. But other targets are also in play ahead of the summer transfer window including Mateta, who has been in fine form over the past 12 months.
Mateta, 27, has scored 34 goals in 106 top-flight appearances for Crystal Palace, including eight in as many league games since the turn of the year.
And as first revealed by The Sun, his upturn in form under Oliver Glasner has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford, with United scouting the striker in each of Palace’s last three Premier League games.
It’s said Mateta’s mobility and work ethic are the perfect fit for Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 system according to United’s scouts, with those two attributes seen as key for the lone frontman role.
It was reported last month that Palace would likely demand in the region of £50million for their star striker, who joined them permanently for an £11m fee back in January 2022.
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The report also casts doubt over United’s chances of landing Gyokeres, who is said to top their summer wishlist.
It’s expected that the Sweden international will be allowed to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer and the 26-year-old will not be short on suitors after scoring 46 goals in 45 games for club and country this term.
And although Gyokeres is keen on the idea of working with Amorim again, it’s noted that the striker is pushing for a move to a Champions League club. That, coupled with United’s current plight – their only route to Europe’s premier competition would be by winning the Europa League as it stands – makes a move unlikely.
United have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap in recent weeks with further speculation likely between now and the summer.
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