Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing 27-year-old French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Jean-Philippe Mateta has a growing market among Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are keen on signing the 27-year-old, while several well-known European outfits are also keen on securing his services later this year.
The rise of Jean-Philippe Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from FSV Mainz 05. The South London outfit initially signed the Frenchman on loan in January 2021 before completing a permanent deal 12 months later.
The 27-year-old initially struggled to stamp his authority in his first few seasons at Crystal Palace but has been exceptional under Oliver Glasner. Mateta has been excellent in the 2024/25 season, contributing to 15 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions, finding the back of the net 13 times and providing two assists. Meanwhile, the player’s progress has alerted several top clubs, including Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United.
A man in demand
Ollie Watkins faces an uncertain future at Aston Villa amid Arsenal’s links with the Englishman. So, Mateta has emerged as a viable target for the West Midlands outfit. However, the French striker can be a viable option even if Watkins stays, considering the increased burden of playing on four fronts. As for Chelsea, failure to sign a striker in the last two transfer windows has forced them into the market.
While Nicolas Jackson has been solid in the last 12 months, and Marc Guiu is “one for the future”, Jean-Philippe Mateta is a viable candidate to be Jackson’s alternative at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in the Crystal Palace striker makes sense, considering Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles this term.
So, the Olympics 2024 silver medalist has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United. As for Newcastle United, Callum Wilson will likely depart from St. James’ Park in the summer transfer window. In addition, William Osula has yet to earn Eddie Howe’s trust. So, the 27-year-old French attacker is an option worth considering.
Apart from Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and Marseille are also keen on signing the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will aim to extend Mateta’s stay at Selhurst Park by handing him a new contract.
