This summer is already shaping up to be busy for Crystal Palace, but now the club’s intentions over £17m player have been shared.
In a summer transfer window which already looks like a busy one for Crystal Palace, the club will want to retain as many of the stars from the seven-game unbeaten streak which concluded the 2023/24 season.
Since the campaign ended, we’ve heard reports of Marc Guehi‘s desire to depart amid Manchester United interest.
Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are expected to follow suit with both this week having speculation grow over their futures as the pair have several interested parties each.
Even Adam Wharton isn’t safe from speculation as Bayern Munich are said to view him as their ideal midfield signing this summer.
How Crystal Palace are feeling about Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer
One player who has also been linked with an exit this summer is Jean-Philippe Mateta who finished as the Eagles’ top scorer with 19 goals and five assists with the lion’s share coming under Glasner.
Napoli has been credited with being interested in the 26-year-old Frenchman, while Borussia Dortmund the Champions League finalists are also circling according to Christian Falk.
The transfer fee reported however is worryingly low, with the report suggesting Mateta could be available for at least £17m, while he is probably worth double.
But while clubs may be interested, Fabrizio Romano has shared a positive update, explaining that Palace have zero intention of selling Mateta this summer, despite recent links.
The Eagles view Mateta as a crucial player for next season following his excellent 2024 thus far, which makes us feel somewhat safe as he doesn’t have a release clause and Palace cannot be forced into selling.
Keeping Mateta this summer will be vital for the Eagles
Since the arrival of Glasner, Mateta has simply been a revelation and looked like a completely different player from what he was under Roy Hodgson and even Patrick Viera.
The striker is a “real handful” for defenders and was involved in 14 goals in his last 13 Premier League appearances which showcases his importance as being right up there alongside Eze and Olise.
Losing Mateta this summer would give Dougie Freedman yet another job to do this summer when already it seems like he’s in line for a busy transfer window and may have to replace multiple starters.
Also, for the price cited, there isn’t really a striker who can offer what Mateta can when he’s on top form and the fact he’s only just found his feet suggests another year of this and he could be worth double what he is now.
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