Juventus, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are all monitoring Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, raising the prospect of a three-way battle for the in-form forward before the end of the transfer window.
The French-born, DR Congo-eligible striker has emerged as a serious option for several top European clubs after a series of impressive performances in the Premier League.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Juventus view Mateta as a back-up target as they look to bolster their attacking options, but are tracking his situation “with attention” as the market develops.
Juventus weigh up alternative attacking option
The Turin club, traditionally among Europe’s elite, are exploring multiple routes to strengthen their forward line. While another profile is thought to be their main priority, Mateta is understood to be firmly on their shortlist as a potential alternative solution.
The 27-year-old Crystal Palace forward has enhanced his reputation in England thanks to his physical presence, clinical finishing and ability to disrupt and stretch opposition defences. Those attributes have made him a more credible option on the transfer market, particularly for clubs searching for a powerful central striker.
Juventus are following his progress closely, even though a move for Mateta is not currently regarded as an urgent or primary objective.
Manchester United and Atletico join the chase
Juventus are not alone in their interest. Manchester United and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the former Mainz and Lyon player.
Both clubs are seeking to reinforce their attacking departments after inconsistent seasons in front of goal. With United keen to ease the burden on their current forwards and Atletico traditionally favouring robust, hard-working strikers, Mateta’s profile is seen as a potential fit in both systems.
The presence of three heavyweight clubs in the frame could rapidly drive up the price if more than one decides to make a formal approach in the coming weeks.
Palace open to sale at around €29m
Crystal Palace are not ruling out a sale of their centre-forward, but are expected to demand a substantial fee.
The London club value Mateta at about €29m – roughly £25m – and are in a strong position to negotiate, with the player under contract until June 2027. That long-term deal ensures Palace are under no immediate pressure to sell, and could hold out for their valuation or attempt to start a bidding war between interested sides.
As the transfer window progresses and major European clubs intensify their search for attacking reinforcements, talks around Mateta’s future are expected to accelerate.
Rising market value and salary details
Mateta’s market value is currently estimated at €30m by specialist website Transfermarkt, reflecting his growing status in the European game.
In England, he is reported to earn €2,999,892 per year (approximately 1,949,929,800 CFA francs), underlining the scale of the financial package any buying club would need to consider on top of a transfer fee.
With Juventus, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid all in the frame, Crystal Palace face a pivotal decision over whether to cash in on a striker whose stock has rarely been higher – or hold firm and build their attack around him for seasons to come.
