Manchester United have “opened talks” with Crystal Palace over a deal for 26-year-old striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to a report from France.
L’Équipe (as relayed by GFFN) reveals the Red Devils have a “concrete interest” in the French forward as the club seeks to buttress Ruben Amorim’s misfiring front line with a more reliable goal scorer.
Mateta has scored 15 times in all competitions this season with 12 of these goals coming in the Premier League. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – United’s two senior strikers – have combined for just five in the league, by comparison.
In fact, Mateta has eight goals in 2025 – the joint most in England’s top division alongside Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah, evidencing the fine vein of form the Frenchman is enjoying at present.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2027, meaning this summer would be the last opportunity for Palace to command a considerable fee for their star striker.
L’Équipe reveals the Eagles have set a “hefty asking price of £40 million” for Mateta, though this fee would still come in far lower than the ones being quoted for Victor Osimhen and Victor Gyokeres, the two strikers United have been strongly linked to this summer.
And the French outlet contends Old Trafford officials have “opened talks” with their Selhurst Park counterparts over a potential swoop for Mateta.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies on a centre-forward to act as the focal point of the front line. This striker needs to offer a constant threat in behind to free up space for the attacking midfielders to operate in between the lines.
Similarly, they must offer a physical presence to aim for, particularly in the box as the wing-backs overlap and seek to whip balls into the box.
Mateta, who boasts an imposing 6’2 frame with surprisingly good mobility for such a big striker, fits the profile of number nine United’s head coach has preferred throughout his coaching career.
Old Trafford would also offer a natural jump for the French international and the prospect of no European football will be unlikely to deter a move, in the way it might prevent a move for Osimhen or Gyokeres
Mateta is also Premier League proven and would need no time to be able to accilimate to the rigours of Premier League football. His wage demands will also be far more modest than either of the Viktors.
Therefore, while a move for the Palace striker may not be as sexy or sensational as a move for a target on the continent, it could prove a far more sensible transfer for United this summer.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
