Crystal Palace are currently considering a summer move for AJ Auxerre striker Racine Shinayoko, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future up in the air.
Crystal Palace eye new striker to replace Mateta
It hasn’t been Mateta’s easiest season to date, given that he failed to secure a move to AC Milan at the end of the January transfer window, but he has struggled with injuries, missing six Premier League games with a knee problem.
However, the Frenchman has shown flashes of quality in recent weeks, scoring in the first leg of the Europa Conference League quarter-final against Fiorentina and scoring twice in the 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, Jorgen Strand Larsen hasn’t had the best start for the Eagles, failing to score in his last five Premier League games, but the Norwegian managed to register his goal in the 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa Conference League semi-final.
There has been a new update on Crystal Palace’s summer transfer plans, with a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness) revealing that Mateta is keen to bring in a striker, with him keen to join his new club this summer.
Palace are open to selling the France international and are planning to sign Ligue 1 star Racine Shinayoko from AJ Auxerre as a replacement.
The Eagles’ need to bring in a new striker is further exacerbated by the fact that Crisstantus Uche, who failed to score in 14 Premier League appearances this season, is set to return to Getafe at the end of his loan spell, barring a major twist.
Meanwhile, Shinayoko has been regularly on the scoresheet in Ligue 1, scoring nine goals and also providing four assists in 30 appearances.
The Malian player is well-established at international level, appearing in 30 games for his country and finding the back of the net 10 times, with journalist Saikou Saidi hailing him as “strong”.
Palace do everything they can to win the Europa Conference League
After Sunday’s 3-0 loss to AFC Bournemouth, manager Oliver Glasner suggested that his side’s win against Shakhtar in Poland had helped them win.
“The tank was empty today. You could see it. The players tried, but they were much better in the second half. It was a level game. There was too much in the first half. We couldn’t come back from Thursday evening. The players tried, but you could see it in the set-pieces and the easy mistakes we made.”
It’s no surprise that Palace are on the decline in form in the Premier League as they battle to win their first-ever European trophy, and they hold a two-goal advantage over Shakhtar heading into Thursday night’s second leg at Selhurst Park.
4-2-3-1 manager who plays ‘unrealistic football’ becomes Crystal Palace’s biggest target
The Eagles are looking for a replacement for Oliver Glasner.
