Barcelona are interested in a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer as they are looking to bolster their frontline.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are the latest to enter the race for Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of the summer window. The 28-year-old Crystal Palace star is about to leave the club when the season ends, with the Catalans pondering him as a part of their attack, especially because of the physicality and experience he brings.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was probably one of the big stories in the Premier League as far as the January window was concerned. The attacker made his ambition to join a bigger team clear, with the 28-year-old Crystal Palace star coming close to joining AC Milan.
The move to AC Milan was called off after reports of a failed medical emerged, as the striker ended up staying at Crystal Palace. Incidentally, the Londoners did not wait for the Frenchman’s departure, and they signed Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves to bolster their attack, which now leaves Mateta as probably their second-choice striker.
Mateta is poised to leave Palace in the summer, with a host of his previously interested suitors likely to make another dash for the striker. The impact of his failed move to Milan, as well as the fact that he will have a year left on his deal, could see Palace sell him for a cut-price deal.
Barcelona are the latest to enter the race, with the Spanish giants looking for a physical striker to lead the line once Robert Lewandowski leaves upon the expiry of his contract. Hansi Flick wants to prioritise a good striker in the summer to have continuity, as the 28-year-old Crystal Palace star has shown plenty of poise to score goals regularly.
Jean-Philippe Mateta to Barcelona?
There’s always a chance for a player like the 28-year-old Crystal Palace star to join a prestigious team like Barcelona. Should the Catalans make a serious enough offer that suits the Frenchman, he could join them, although much will depend on Crystal Palace’s asking price.
The fact that Palace are no longer in a position of power when it comes to dictating the Frenchman’s future, Barcelona will ponder a cut-price deal that will suit their finances and sporting needs. Hence, there’s a big chance that the Catalans will look forward to this particular transfer and try to sign the 28-year-old Crystal Palace star on the cheap.
