Barcelona Target Crystal Palace Forward Jean-Philippe Mateta for Summer Transfer

As the January transfer window closes, Barcelona are already setting their sights on the summer market, with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta emerging as a potential target. The Spanish giants view Mateta as a more affordable option to bolster their attacking lineup and possibly succeed Robert Lewandowski.

Crystal Palace have successfully retained their key players during the January window, including defender Marc Guehi, despite a reported £70 million bid from Tottenham Hotspur. The club also strengthened their squad with the additions of young talent Romain Esse and experienced defender Ben Chilwell.

Mateta’s recent form has been impressive, with the French striker scoring six goals in his last five Premier League appearances. His performance has caught the eye of Barcelona scouts, who see him as a less complicated and potentially more economical signing compared to other targets.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised Mateta’s recent performance after a two-goal display against Manchester United, highlighting the striker’s instincts and work rate. “He is amazing in the box,” Glasner remarked, “He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”

Given Mateta’s growing importance to Crystal Palace and his current form, the South London club is likely to resist any approaches for their star striker. Palace demonstrated their resolve in the January window by rejecting substantial offers for other key players, and they may adopt a similar stance regarding Mateta if Barcelona come calling in the summer.

As the 27-year-old forward enters his prime, Crystal Palace will be keen to retain his services, especially considering the impact he has made under Glasner’s management. The coming months will reveal whether Barcelona’s interest materializes into a formal bid and how Crystal Palace respond to potential overtures for their in-form striker.