Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, as per Caught Offside.
Following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez’s departure last summer, the Reds decided to overhaul the centre-forward position by purchasing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Arne Slot’s side splashed around £80m to buy the Frenchman, while the Swede became the British record signing at £130m.
Although Ekitike has showcased glimpses of his qualities thus far this season, Isak has had a slow start. Now, Caught Offside claim that Liverpool have already started looking at options to add further depth to the No.9 position and have identified Mateta as a serious option.
The 28-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his current contract and is delaying any long-term commitment to as he is waiting to see whether any major Premier League clubs eventually make a move for him.
The report say that apart from the Merseyside club, Arsenal are also keeping a close eye on Mateta’s situation before making a potential swoop.
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are in this race as well, but the Gunners and the Reds are showing the strongest interest in sealing the deal.
Battle
If Crystal Palace fail to agree on a fresh term with Mateta, valued at around £31m by Transfermarkt, over the coming months, they might be open to cashing-in on him in January or next summer to avoid losing him for free.
Following Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s injury problems last term, Arsenal decided to reinforce the centre-forward position by purchasing Viktor Gyokeres last summer.
However, the former Sporting CP star has taken time to adjust to the Premier League’s physical demands. On the other hand, Jesus and Havertz remain sidelined owing to their respective injury problems, so it appears Mikel Arteta is considering making a move for a new striker.
Mateta has been in excellent form for Crystal Palace in recent years, helping his side win the FA Cup and Community Shield trophies. So, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool should either club eventually manage to secure his service.
