Manchester United are set for a major rebuild this summer and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is on their radar after his excellent campaign at Selhurst Park
Jean-Philippe Mateta is considering his future, with Manchester United interested in signing the Crystal Palace striker this summer. Mateta has enjoyed a prolific season so far, scoring 17 goals across all competitions and helping Palace win the FA Cup.
The 27-year-old is set to enter the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and his form has attracted the interest of United, who have struggled for goals this season. Frontline strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have managed just seven Premier League goals between them.
As a result, Ruben Amorim is looking to bring in more firepower and L'Equipe are reporting that Mateta is being targeted. The report states Mateta hopes to play for France at the 2026 World Cup and knows that making the right decision about his future will be key if he is to realise that dream.
United are said to have 'already positioned themselves' to make a move for the striker, but a potential return to Ligue 1 is 'not entirely out of the question'. The news comes after former Arsenal star Paul Merson suggested that Mateta would be a good fit at Old Trafford.
"I wouldn't say Arsenal," he told Sky Sports when asked about Mateta. "At the Emirates, teams sit 10 behind the ball and I don't think he has that guile.
"He needs grass in front of him where he's willing. He makes good runs, he's strong, he's quick and he's a really good player. I thought Man Utd would go for him in the January transfer window. I think he's a really good fit for them at the moment with what they need and to steady the ship.
"He'll lead the line. He defends from the front and he's a nightmare for defenders. I can't imagine too many defenders coming off the pitch after a game and going 'that was a walk in the park'. I think he gets the move this summer."
Although United will not be playing Champions League football next season after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final, the club's chief executive Omar Berrada has stated that they are ready to back Amorim in the transfer window.
Speaking back in March, Berrada told TNT Sports: "We speak to Ruben [Amorim] very frequently. Ruben has a good relationship with Jason Wilcox. They both share the vision of how they want to see the team playing.
"It is about planning properly for the summer transfer window and having a clear idea of what players we want to bring in. We're making some big efforts to get us in the best financial position.
"Even if we're outside of Europe - I think we will be in a position to invest in the squad. Our ambition is to... win the Europa League and be in the Champions League which is where I think we belong."