Man United and Forest Eye £40m Crystal Palace Striker Ahead of Busy Summer | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta in Demand: Premier League Clubs Circle Crystal Palace Striker

Mateta’s Momentum Attracting Major Suitors

Jean-Philippe Mateta has long promised this kind of season. Now, with 15 goals in 35 games, he is delivering — and clubs across Europe are taking notice. As TEAMtalk revealed, Crystal Palace’s French forward is drawing attention from a host of top sides, including Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid.

“Mateta is emerging as one of the most sought-after strikers around ahead of the summer transfer window,” TEAMtalk reports. That line alone reflects just how far the 27-year-old’s stock has risen this season.

United are said to be considering Mateta as a backup to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, their reported first-choice target. “Victor Osimhen is their No 1 striker target, though Mateta is emerging as a solid backup option.”

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Forest’s Ambition Sets Stage for Summer Drama

Nottingham Forest, potentially on the cusp of Champions League qualification, are also firmly in the mix. With a place in Europe’s elite competition in their sights, Forest are plotting a significant squad revamp.

TEAMtalk notes: “Forest are aiming to bring in several signings – including at least one forward – to strengthen themselves in view of next season’s Champions League.”

Intriguingly, Forest are not just tracking Mateta. They’re also after Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman — another player on United’s radar — and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who is understood to have a £60m release clause. “Sources have informed TEAMtalk that Forest are keen on Lookman… Another option under consideration is Wolves star Matheus Cunha.”

Continental Heavyweights Join Pursuit

Juventus and Bayern Munich are also involved, with both clubs eyeing attacking reinforcements. Juventus, preparing for life after Randal Kolo Muani and possibly Dusan Vlahovic, see Mateta as a compelling option. Meanwhile, Bayern’s interest may hinge on Harry Kane’s future.

“Bayern are currently monitoring the situation, but if Harry Kane leaves… they could try to reunite Mateta with his ex-Palace team-mate Michael Olise.”

It’s no surprise then, that a player previously valued around £40 million could spark a bidding war.

United’s Wider Search for Firepower

Beyond Mateta, Manchester United’s striker search also extends to Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. Alan Shearer has endorsed a move, saying the young Englishman is “better than anything Amorim has got up front.”

Delap, however, may be reluctant to swap Portman Road for Old Trafford if it means missing out on European football. “Delap may not want to move to Old Trafford as he hopes to play in Europe next term.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you’re a Nottingham Forest fan right now, it’s hard not to feel a genuine buzz. To be seriously linked with names like Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ademola Lookman, and Matheus Cunha speaks to how far this club has come in a short space of time. Gone are the days of scrapping for survival. Now, with Champions League football on the horizon, Forest seem poised for something greater.

The potential Mateta deal feels like a real statement. A proven Premier League forward, capable of leading the line or working as part of a fluid front three — he could be a game-changer at the City Ground. It’s encouraging that the club are also looking at players like Lookman, who would add creativity and direct running behind a striker.

Of course, the price tags are eye-watering. Cunha’s £60m clause might be a stretch, but the ambition is what excites fans. This isn’t Forest playing it safe. This is a club planning for Europe, and possibly for success beyond just qualifying.

If these rumours solidify into action, expect a transformed Forest frontline come August — one built not only for spectacle but for silverware.