Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is unlikely to extend his contract, which expires next year. Per the Daily Mail, he could still leave Selhurst Park this summer.
The Palace centre-forward was on the verge of leaving the South London club in January, but a move to AC Milan never materialised. He is reportedly still keen on moving to Italy.
The France international, who is a tremendous character, will likely lead the line for the Eagles in the Conference League final, but it could be his last game for the club.
Mateta has bagged 15 goals and three assists in 49 appearances this season, taking his tally for Oliver Glasner’s side to 61 goals and 14 assists in 201 outings.
He has been Glasner’s main man, recording 39 goals in 82 top-flight appearances under the Austrian tactician. Unsurprisingly, he could follow him out of the door.
Palace already have a ready-made replacement in Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has shown promising signs that, with a full season, he can adeptly replace Mateta.
However, the Eagles might still need another centre-forward, with Eddie Nketiah spending a chunk of the current season sidelined.
Summer addition Christantus Uche has not really pulled up any trees in England.
One opportunity worth serious consideration is Burnley man Zian Flemming, and their relegation to the Championship could open the door for a transfer.
The Dutch forward is an intelligent striker who presses aggressively and has shown an eye for goals even in difficult spells.
He bagged 11 goals in 29 league appearances this term, which is no easy feat.
At 27, he still has significant upside and would likely be available for a reasonable fee given Burnley’s drop in status and need to balance the books.
For a side like Palace, that needs depth and competition up front for next season, Flemming is a smart, low-risk addition with high-reward potential.
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