Arsenal have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, as contract negotiations drag on between the striker and the south London club.
The Gunners return from the international break and will be looking to get back to winning ways after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Sunderland to start the season, but nothing is bigger than the north London derby. Mikel Arteta’s side, who face rivals Tottenham Hotspur, will aim to once again prove their title credentials and maintain at least their four-point lead at the top.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the derby, Arteta reiterated the importance of this rivalry, saying: “It’s just different. It’s a big city, but it’s a big rivalry. There are parts of London that we want to conquer and they want the same.
“There’s been a lot of changes over the years and we’ve become more dominant and it’s really beautiful, especially when we play at home in front of people and we know what it means to them.
“The energy they bring, the energy the team brings in every single thing they do, it’s just a privilege to be able to play a game like that. I can’t wait for Sunday.”
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It’s the start of an important week for Arsenal. They have the small task of hosting Bayern Munich a few days after the Tottenham game before traveling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Scoring three goals on a run like this would highlight just how serious the Gunners are about winning big honours.
In the current climate, it would be difficult for many players to turn down Arsenal, and that may be the case for Palace star Mateta.
Arsenal enter race to sign Mateta
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have joined the race to sign Mateta from Crystal Palace, potentially making him their second major signing from the Eagles following their recent signing of Eberechi Eze.
The Frenchman is due to become a free agent in 2027, but with contract talks still unresolved, the south London club may be forced to raise cash sooner rather than later to enable a move for the Gunners.
Mateta, a player who has already been on the scoresheet at the Emirates in the past, could be given the chance to feature in the celebrations each week in north London. Of course, such a move would be possible. Despite initially struggling, the 28-year-old has gone on to become one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
PL statistics 25/26 | Jean-Philippe Mateta | Victor Gokeres |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 959 | 800 |
the goal | 6 | 4 |
assist | 0 | 0 |
expected number of goals | 8.1 | 4.6 |
There’s a reason Palace manager Oliver Glasner has described his star striker as “fantastic” in the past, and the comparisons with Gokeres show his level of performance. If Arsenal want to solve their goalscoring problem once and for all, they should sign a star player from Palace.
