Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Eagles want to tie him to a new contract.
According to a report by Football Insider, Jean-Philippe Mateta has a market in La Liga heading into the summer transfer window. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are among the prospective suitors vying for the signature of the Crystal Palace attacking mainstay. However, the Eagles want to tie the 27-year-old striker to a new long-term deal, with the two parties set for contract talks.
Jean-Philippe Mateta coming of age
Jean-Philippe Mateta had to bide his time before fulfilling his tremendous potential at Crystal Palace. The Frenchman has been with the South London club since January 2021, initially sealing a loan move to Selhurst Park before completing a permanent deal 12 months later.
The 27-year-old has been exceptional under the tutelage of Oliver Glasner, who has unlocked his true potential in the last 12 months. Mateta has been excellent thus far this term, amassing 13 goals and two assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Mateta’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. However, a move to La Liga might be on the cards, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window. But Crystal Palace will look to tie the French striker to a new long-term contract.
La Liga adventure beckons?
Barcelona’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta is understandable. Robert Lewandowski is in the twilight of his glittering career, and the Catalan giants need an alternative to the veteran Polish striker. So, the Crystal Palace attacking mainstay has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona.
As for Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann might depart from Estadio Metropolitano in the summer transfer window, which will create a gaping hole in the Spanish club’s offensive unit. So, Atletico Madrid must sign a new striker, with the Crystal Palace striker an option worth considering.
In addition, the 27-year-old Frenchman is a target for Lyon. However, Crystal Palace’s desire to tie the former FSV Mainz 05 striker to a new long-term contract puts a roadblock in front of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Lyon. The two parties should begin crunch talks over a deal soon, and it will be interesting to see if an agreement sees the light of day.
