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Jean-Philippe Mateta: Crystal Palace to agree cut-price exit, Premier League rivals alerted

Jean-Philippe Mateta is widely expected to leave Crystal Palace with Premier League clubs now in the race for his signature, sources have told Football Insider.

The 28-year-old is back to his best form at Selhurst Park, having scored in the 3-0 win against Fiorentina and twice in their 2-1 win against Newcastle last week.

However, with his contract set to expire in 2027 and no talks planned to extend his stay after his January exit fell through, Palace are prepared to move him on.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Crystal Palace may be forced to sell Mateta for a cut-price fee.

The short time left on his contract means the Eagles know they must cash in this summer, and clubs will aim to exploit the situation to agree a cheaper deal.

How to Crystal Palace feel about Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Football Insider revealed in February that Crystal Palace will lower their price for Mateta this summer after his mid-season move fell through, with other clubs set to join the race.

The France international looked set for a move to AC Milan before a failed medical saw them pull out, and he is currently focused on finishing the season with Palace.

However, come the end of a season where he will hope to lift further silverware in the Conference League, the striker is likely to seek a move away once again.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There are a number of Premier League clubs who are looking at Mateta, he’s a proven goalscorer.

“He’s bounced back after having a spell out injured now, as you said, he scored a goal against Fiorentina and two against Newcastle.

“He’s going into the final year of his contract at Palace this summer as well so I’m sure there’ll be some clubs who’ll be looking at it.

“They will be thinking they might be able to get the Frenchman on a cut price deal this summer.

“Crystal Palace are going to have to sell rather than letting him run down his contract.

“There is interest from clubs in the Premier League and from European clubs as long as he’s proved his fitness, I’m sure there’ll be a big market for Jean-Philippe Mateta.”

Which Premier League clubs could sign Mateta?

AC Milan emerged as the front-runners for the striker in the mid-season window, while Juventus also heavily considered a move for his signature.

However, the Italian giants are now expected to face competition from Premier League clubs, with a number of them keeping tabs on Mateta’s situation.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 15 April that Newcastle are interested in signing Mateta and could make a move this summer.

The 28-year-old scored twice as Palace came from behind to beat Eddie Howe’s side last weekend, but could be tempted to make the switch to the North East.

Howe is aiming to strengthen up front amid frustrations surrounding both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade in the wake of Alexander Isak’s record sale.