Crystal Palace have already made an approach and are reportedly taking decisive steps to sign the young Ligue 1 attacker ahead of Chelsea.
Glassner denies Mateta rumors
The last few weeks have been Crystal Palace’s worst nightmare all rolled into one sour cocktail. First, it was reported that Marc Guehi had suddenly left the club for Manchester City, and then there was also the news that Oliver Glasner would be leaving the club at the end of the season. If that wasn’t bad enough, there are now reports that Jean-Philippe Mateta has asked to leave.
The Frenchman has attracted interest from Juventus, but Glasner was quick to deny rumors that he had submitted a formal transfer request.
“He did not submit a transfer request and we have not received a bid at the moment. That is the situation. I am talking to a lot of players about various subjects, but I think they deserve that I do not talk about it publicly.”
There is about a week until the transfer window closes, and Mateta will have to force his way out if he wishes to do so before then. Otherwise, the chaos at Selhurst Park will be alleviated, at least until the summer.
The possibility of the forward staying will also allow the Eagles to bring in some much-needed reinforcements. They were stripped of their captaincy and their manager followed suit. If you want to have any success for the rest of your campaign, you need to consider adding your own an absolute priority.
To that end, one of the names that has been reported as a target is Sadiki Sherif, who will no doubt improve not only Glasner’s attacking options but also Palace’s attacking options for years to come.
The same can be said for another young forward, with Palace reportedly doing their best to sign him ahead of their rivals.
Crystal Palace take decisive steps to sign Mohamed Kader Maite
According to Caught Offside, Crystal Palace are now taking decisive steps to sign Mohamed Kader Maite from Stade Rennais. The 18-year-old forward had interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but it was the Eagles who made the approach.
Although Meite is a player of the future, his potential arrival could represent a good long-term plan if Mateta leaves this month or in the summer.
However, the deal will not come cheap, with Al Hilal offering around €40m (about £35m). Meite reportedly wants to remain in European football, but that could depend on similar offers from the likes of Palace.
Stade René also know exactly what they’re getting into, given Denis Arnault’s praise. The club manager said: “He’s a really good kid, he listens, wants to improve, and he has great athletic ability.
“He has made great strides in terms of mentality and independence. I am confident that if he continues on this path he will have a chance to break into the professional team.”
