Crystal Palace will demand at least £40 million to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta amid Manchester United’s interest in the French striker.
According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester United must pay a fee of at least £40 million if they want to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer. Crystal Palace will seek the full value placed on the French striker, who has 18 goals and assists this season, as Ruben Amorim wants a new centre-forward for his project.
Manchester United will target a new centre-forward in the summer window to further Ruben Amorim’s project at Old Trafford. Their current options, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have disappointed to a greater degree, with the latter scoring only twice in the Premier League this season.
Considering those returns, it is essential to understand that Manchester United paid a hefty fee to sign him from Atalanta in the summer of 2023. His disappointing performances are making Amorim lose faith in his ability to become the club’s main striker, which has led to speculation about his future. While the Red Devils are not actively looking to sell him, they could still consider offers for the forward.
There are strong links to Jean Philippe-Mateta, with rumours suggesting Manchester United were interested in the winter window. The Frenchman has continued to showcase his prolific form for Crystal Palace since the arrival of Oliver Glasner, and that has not stopped this season, as Mateta has contributed to 18 goals for the Eagles.
In any case, there are some growing concerns about his long-term future, as Mateta is about to enter the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park. Amorim is keen to sign a striker and is seeking a reunion with Viktor Gyokeres, although the price tag on the Swede could be seen as prohibitive. This is where the idea of signing Mateta seems exciting for the Red Devils.
Crystal Palace set price for Mateta
Crystal Palace had planned a new contract for Jean-Philippe Mateta, although things have not materialised on that front, which might indicate the Eagles could sell the striker. Even though Mateta will enter the final year of his deal at Palace, the Eagles are not keen on selling him cheaply and want at least £40 million for the striker.
Whether the £40 million asking price suits Manchester United in pursuit of Mateta remains to be seen, although there’s a considerable probability the two clubs might engage in negotiations. The Red Devils might see the value in such a signing, although they will want the price reduced to suit their current financial predicament.