Crystal Palace is reportedly ready to sanction the sale of Jean-Philippe Mateta before the winter transfer deadline, primarily because the striker has expressed a strong desire to depart. While Nottingham Forest has signaled a willingness to shell out £35 million to bring the 28-year-old to the City Ground, Palace is holding firm on a £40 million valuation—especially when negotiating with direct Premier League competitors.
According to insights from former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, the South London club would rather offload the forward than retain a disgruntled player. Brown suggests that Mateta’s dip in form can be attributed to his “head being elsewhere,” noting that his camp has been exploring external opportunities for some time, a situation further amplified by his recent call-up to the French national team.
A Growing List of Suitors
While Forest is making the most noise, they are far from the only interested party. Mateta’s availability has reportedly caught the attention of several European heavyweights and domestic rivals:
- Domestic: Aston Villa and long-term admirers Manchester United.
- International: Juventus and AC Milan.
Palace’s stance is pragmatic: keeping an unhappy star risks creating a toxic atmosphere or being left with an underperforming asset. Consequently, if a club meets their financial threshold, they are prepared to green-light the move.
Seeking a Successor
The hierarchy at Selhurst Park is well aware that they cannot let Mateta go without a viable replacement. The club has identified Jorgen Strand Larsen as their primary target to fill the potential void. However, securing the Wolves forward will not be easy; Wolves are reportedly demanding £40 million and are hesitant to sell mid-season.
Furthermore, Palace faces stiff competition for Strand Larsen from the likes of Leeds United and even Nottingham Forest, who seem to be casting a wide net for attacking talent. Palace sporting director Matt Hobbs is expected to leverage his professional ties to Wolves to gain an edge in these negotiations.
Alternative Options
In addition to Strand Larsen, the Eagles are also monitoring Sidiki Cherif as they look to ensure the squad isn’t left depleted during the season’s final stretch. The priority remains clear: extract maximum value for Mateta and immediately reinvest to maintain their competitive edge.
