As rumours persist over Jean-Philippe Mateta's future, Crystal Palace have now reportedly entered pole position to sign an impressive striker who could replace the Frenchman this summer.
Mateta could leave Crystal Palace
Following another excellent season at Selhurst Park, Mateta was always likely to find himself on the radar of several top clubs. The big question is whether he departs this summer. Recent reports have revealed his desire to push towards France's 2026 World Cup squad with a move away part of that plan, and that could deal Palace a killer blow.
What makes matters worse is that Manchester United are reportedly among those jostling for the forward's signature this summer. To lose Mateta to any club would be a major blow for the Eagles. To lose him to another Premier League side, however, would be more frustrating than anything.
Jean-Philippe Mateta 24/25 Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances 45
Goals 17
Assists 4
All it takes is one look at the numbers to realise exactly why Manchester United have set their sights on signing Mateta. The Crystal Palace star, who helped his side defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final recently, has done something that both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to do by reaching double figures for goals this season.
Palace will be desperate to keep their forward, of course, and Oliver Glasner is well aware of his quality. The Austrian told reporters earlier this season: "We don't always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.
Mateta-1
"He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn't get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don't get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us."
Whilst his future continues to hang in the balance, however, those at Selhurst Park are reportedly eyeing an instant replacement for Mateta this summer.
Crystal Palace leading Emegha race
According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are now leading the race to sign Emanuel Emegha from RC Strasbourg this summer. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign for the Ligue 1 side, who shocked the rest of France's first division by finishing as high as seventh under Liam Rosenior.
Almost a month since football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed his season as "fantastic", Emegha has taken his total to 14 goals in all competitions to leave the likes of Crystal Palace in pursuit of his signature.
mateus-fernandes-southampton Related
[Crystal Palace jostling to sign "complete" midfielder in deal worth £30m](https://www.footballfancast.com/crystal-palace-now-jostling-to-sign-mateus-fernandes-in-deal-worth-30m/ "Crystal Palace jostling to sign "complete" midfielder in deal worth £30m")
The Eagles could swoop in ahead of rival clubs.
At this stage, a fair few dominoes would have to fall for Emegha to become a Crystal Palace player, but if Mateta does depart, he should remain the Eagles' top target to arrive in the coming months.