Expert: Crystal Palace plan to sign a new striker after Mateta twist
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Crystal Palace are considering making a move to sign a new striker if they cannot tie Jean-Philippe Mateta down to a new contract.
This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Eagles are keeping their options open ahead of the transfer window.
He went on to explain that any incoming striker would likely be a rotational option given the £30million spent on signing Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal in the summer.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on Wednesday (18 December) that Palace are set to hold talks over a new contract for Mateta after his impressive displays.
However, should no agreement be reached, the Eagles could look to move the Frenchman on and use the money to land a new attacking option.
His current deal at Selhurst Park is set to run until 2026, but Brown insisted he could be sold in the summer if he does not commit to a new deal.
Mateta has become a key player in Oliver Glasner’s side since the manager’s arrival, having featured in each of their 20 games this season, scoring seven goals.
The back-end of last season also saw the 27-year-old excel in front of goal, with 13 of his 16 league goals coming following the Glasner's arrival.
Crystal Palace planning move to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta replacement
Despite his presence in their side, there are concerns that the Eagles may not be willing the match the striker’s lofty wage demands and could instead assess potential alternatives.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Palace remain keen to tie Mateta down to a new deal, but are making provisions in case their attempts fail.
“He [Mateta] is a player they’d like to keep at the club,” he told Football Insider.
“"At the same time, though, they'll be keeping their options open in case they decide to look for someone else if they can't reach an agreement.
“If he doesn’t sign a new deal, Palace will be in a situation where they’ll have to consider his future.
“They may be better off cashing in on him rather than keeping him on and letting him go for free.
“That would allow them to enter the transfer market in search of a new striker.
“They’ve already got Nketiah who I’d expect would step in and become their main striker if Mateta were to leave the club.
“But that would then leave them short, so they’re looking for alternatives who could perhaps come in as a rotational option and provide cover.“
In other news, Palace are plotting a move to sign Archie Brown.
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The post Expert: Crystal Palace plan to sign a new striker after Mateta twist appeared first on Football Insider.
