FINALLY: Striker rejects Chelsea and Arsenal offer, agrees to join Manchester United on five-years transfer deal
Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta as their newest priority target in terms of signing a new striker – with the Eagles prepared to let the Frenchman leave for a relatively cut-price fee when it comes to potential transfer targets for Ruben Amorim to ponder over.
United only scored more goals than Everton and the three relegated Premier League teams last season, and although Matheus Cunha has joined, more will be needed to get them into the top-half in terms of goals scored – and Mateta, who has been a star at Palace for the past two seasons, could be the perfect tonic for fixing their front line.
Report: United Position Mateta at Top of Shortlist
The Palace star has been a top Premier League striker for two years now
The report by Rudy Galetti, via TEAMtalk, states that United have Mateta at the top of their striker shortlist – and Palace are willing to sell their ‘simply sublime’ star for a ‘bargain’ fee.
A new centre-forward is now United’s top priority after they confirmed the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Cunha on Sunday evening – and after missing out on Ipswich Town youngster Liam Delap to Chelsea, that has seen them reportedly turn their attention to Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Eagles star has had yet another impressive season in the top-flight, scoring 14 goals as the south London club won the FA Cup, securing both major European football and a major honour for the first time in their history. That is something that United can’t offer him, but Mateta would likely offer him a higher wage than the one he is on at Selhurst Park, which could swing a bid.
As a result, TEAMtalk have revealed that United are expected to make a ‘concrete’ move for Mateta in the coming days, exploring the conditions of a potential move – and despite the former Lyon man’s two solid campaigns, Palace could be willing to sell him for a fee in the region of £25-29million.
Mateta has two years left on his contract in south London, and although there will be competition for his signing, United know they need an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund – who scored just four goals in the Premier League last time out, as United recorded a 15th-placed finish, their lowest-ever in the competition.
