Manchester United have primarily focused on strengthening their midfield during the ongoing transfer window.
The Red Devils have signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and seem on the cusp of landing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is the other senior signing for the Red Devils this summer, but there could be more activity in the coming days.
A new left-back could be prioritised to support Luke Shaw, and we believe an offer could be made for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.
A striker could be signed before the deadline, provided Joshua Zirkzee is sold. Napoli have recently emerged as potential suitors.
Napoli have a good working relationship with United, having previously signed Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, and could realistically make a move for Zirkzee.
Keeping that in mind, we believe the Red Devils should pursue a deal for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta if the Dutchman moves to Napoli or another European club.
The Frenchman has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent strikers over the past three seasons. He has netted an average of 14 goals per league campaign.
Mateta was determined to pursue a new challenge away from the Eagles last winter. AC Milan agreed on a package worth £30 million, but he did not pass his medical.
The 29-year-old recovered from a minor knee injury to play a leading role for the south London outfit, who finished the season as the UEFA Conference League winners.
Despite this, Mateta has yet to commit to a new contract beyond June next year. Palace could be prepared to sell him before the transfer deadline to secure a decent fee.
Mateta’s sublime physical attributes and hold-up play would suit United. He is also a towering presence in the box and would be a good deputy for Benjamin Sesko this term.
The Frenchman scored five headed goals last season (16 overall) and won an impressive two aerial duels per outing. He kept opposition defences busy with his movement.
Mateta came close to leaving for £30m last winter, but United could reach an agreement for £20-25m this summer, as Palace could lean towards a sale rather than losing him for a knockdown price or a free transfer next year, in our opinion.
United have shown a change in transfer policy with the willingness to sign experienced players. Tielemans was brought in despite being 29, and we can see Mateta making a similar move.
The World Cup semi-finalist would be a good and solid upgrade on Zirkzee, who has failed to meet expectations with just five goals from 56 league appearances for the club so far.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com