Three Clubs Lining Up for Mateta as Palace Sets £25 Million Price Tag

Manchester United’s search for a reliable backup striker has them circling Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, but they’re not the only ones. Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also in the mix, according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti, and talks with all three clubs are expected to heat up in the coming weeks.

United’s interest comes down to a simple math problem. Joshua Zirkzee has nine goals in 75 appearances since his £36.5 million move from Bologna in 2024. That’s not great. If the Dutchman was dishing out assists at the rate he did in Serie A, maybe you shrug it off. He’s got four. For a guy brought in to be Benjamin Sesko’s sidekick, that’s not cutting it.

INEOS wants to bring in a more experienced No. 9 this summer to take some of the scoring pressure off Sesko. The plan is to sell Zirkzee to fund it. That part gets complicated because Zirkzee wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his spot. But if those conversations with manager Michael Carrick and sporting director Jason Wilcox go a different way, there’s no shortage of suitors back in Italy.

Why Mateta makes sense

Mateta just turned 29. He’s got a proven track record in the Premier League and a 6’4″ frame that makes him a nightmare for defenders. He’s not just a target man either. His link-up play is underrated and he finishes confidently with either foot. Twelve goals last season, 14 the year before, 16 before that. That’s consistent production for a guy playing in a Palace system that’s mostly defensive under Oliver Glasner.

He’s also been clutch in big moments. Mateta helped push Crystal Palace to FA Cup and Europa League success over the last two years. That caught Didier Deschamps’ attention too. Mateta made France’s World Cup squad ahead of younger talents like Eli Kroupi Junior and Randal Kolo-Muani.

Perhaps most importantly for United, Mateta would be okay playing second fiddle. He’d accept being Sesko’s backup in a way bigger-name strikers wouldn’t. That kind of self-awareness is rare and valuable.

The price is right

Palace values Mateta at £25 million. That’s not nothing, but it’s reasonable for a striker of his caliber, especially given his contract runs out next summer. The Eagles are in talks with Mateta about an extension, but no breakthrough yet. If they can’t lock him down, selling now makes sense before his value drops.

Atletico Madrid and Juventus both have needs up front and could push United into a bidding war. Mateta has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, but Palace’s asking price was reportedly a sticking point before. With the contract ticking down, that £25 million figure looks more like a deal than a deterrent.

United’s hierarchy is happy with Sesko’s first season in England. They just need someone who can actually score when he’s not on the pitch.