Juventus join race for DR Congo-linked striker Mateta

Juventus have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Serie A giants reportedly identifying the French forward as a potential addition to their attack.

The 27-year-old, who has DR Congo heritage, has attracted interest from several top European clubs following another impressive Premier League campaign.

According to reports, Juventus are monitoring Mateta closely but face competition from Manchester United and Atlético Madrid, who are also weighing up moves for the Palace striker.

European interest grows

Mateta’s combination of physicality, aerial ability and clinical finishing has made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the current transfer window.

Italian reports suggest Juventus view him as a strong alternative to other attacking targets, although he is not yet considered the club’s top priority.

Manchester United and Atlético Madrid are also keeping tabs on the striker as they look to strengthen their forward lines ahead of the new season.

Should multiple clubs make formal offers, Crystal Palace could find themselves at the centre of a bidding battle.

Palace hold firm

Crystal Palace are understood to be in a strong negotiating position, with Mateta under contract until June 2027.

The Premier League club reportedly value the striker at around €29 million (£25 million) and are not under pressure to sell unless their asking price is met.

His current market value is also estimated at around €30 million, reflecting his growing reputation after a series of standout performances.

Decision looms

For Juventus, Mateta represents an experienced and relatively affordable option in a transfer market where elite strikers often command significantly higher fees.

With Manchester United and Atlético Madrid also monitoring the situation, the coming weeks could prove decisive as Europe’s top clubs step up their search for attacking reinforcements.

Whether Crystal Palace decide to cash in this summer or retain one of their key forwards will likely depend on the offers that arrive before the transfer window closes.

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Kwaku Nii
Kwaku Nii is an experienced football writer with a strong background in African football reporting. He has spent over five years working as a freelance journalist, covering matches, transfers and key developments across the continent.He is university educated and has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the African game, supported by a wide network of contacts within the football industry.Kwaku brings valuable insight, consistency and on-the-ground perspective to his reporting, making him a trusted voice in covering African football stories.He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, where he contributes to delivering informed, engaging and reliable football content to a global audience.

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