Though former United legend Wayne Rooney thinks the Frenchman would be a better match for Arsenal, Manchester United has taken actions to guarantee Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Mateta has become a top target after his outstanding performance under Oliver Glasner at Palace as both teams are looking for striker replacements before the summer transfer window.
Rise of Jean-Philippe Mateta under Oliver Glasner
Built on his great conclusion to the 2023–24 season with an outstanding goal return, Mateta, 27, has flourished since Glasner took leadership in February 2024. He has so far shown himself as a powerful attacking force by netting 12 times in the Premier League this season. Manchester United and Arsenal, who want to strengthen their forward lines, have taken note of his capacity to hold up play and finish clinically.
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Rooney’s View: Why Arsenal Should Think About Jean-Philippe Mateta
Reports over the weekend revealed that Manchester United had already started negotiations to guarantee Mateta’s services. Rooney has advised Arsenal to give him great thought as well, though. Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney underlined how Mateta’s physical presence and finishing ability would fit Arsenal’s playing approach, especially considering how many crosses they generate into the penalty box under Mikel Arteta.
“Jean-Philippe Mateta is a big, strong lad who scores a lot of goals,” Rooney said. “Based on observations of Arsenal during a few Premier League games, they have loaded a lot of balls into the box without anyone to reach the end of them. From that point of view, I am convinced he would be helpful.”
Striker Problems of Arsenal and Manchester United
This season Arsenal clearly suffers in the No. 9 slot. Injuries have driven Arteta to assign Mikel Merino in an unusual forward position, underscoring the club’s immediate need for a natural striker. Likewise, Manchester United has suffered in the attacking line; summer acquisition Joshua Zirkzee and youthful forward Rasmus Hojlund has not consistently offered a goal threat.
Target Alternatives: Appeal of Viktor Gyokeres and Jean-Philippe Mateta
Both teams have also been associated with Viktor Gyokeres, who presently stars for Sporting Lisbon. Expected to make a big summer movement, the Swedish attacker has been among the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Recent claims, however, indicate Gyokeres is giving a transfer to a team capable of guaranteeing Champions League football top priority priority, so his availability for United is unknown. As a result, Mateta has become a reasonable substitute, especially for United, seeking a more affordable choice.
Should the Portuguese coach take over at Old Trafford, united scouts feel Mateta matches the characteristics of a lone frontman who may prosper in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Moreover, the French striker is likely to be accessible for about £40 million, a somewhat low cost compared to other targets on the market.
Troy Deeney’s Questions on Competency of Jean-Philippe Mateta
Though Mateta is becoming more and more popular, not everyone believes he will be able to have influence at a top club. Former Watford striker Troy Deeney voiced doubt on Mateta’s fit for a team of Manchester United’s profile. Deeney asked speaking with talkSPORT whether the Palace forward have the skills needed to shine at Old Trafford.
“No, he isn’t the response Palace needs. Why then would he be the Manchester United’s answer?” Deeney argued. “Jean, by the way, is a really good player. Still, he performs really well at Crystal Palace. At Watford, I was a rather excellent player. Attaching the ranks of these major clubs is quite distinct.”
Deeney also said that Mateta has flourished thanks to Palace’s tactical arrangement and speculated that Crystal Palace’s offensive midfielders right now are superior than those of Manchester United. He pointed out that Mateta’s recent performance under Glasner reflects more of Palace’s great run than of his capacity to succeed at a top-six team.
The Verdict: Will Mateta Make the Step Up?
Arsenal and Manchester United have to decide whether the French striker is the ideal fit for their particular teams as conjecture about Mateta’s future gets more intense. Although his recent comeback and price make him interesting, questions remain regarding whether he can regularly deliver at the best level. The argument about Mateta’s future location is sure to last with the summer transfer window coming; only time will tell whether he can disprove his skeptics at one of England’s most prestigious clubs.
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