Crystal Palace striker next in line to exit club

France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club amid interest from Premier League and European sides. 

The 28-year-old has 18 months remaining on his contract and, as it stands, is not expected to sign an extension at Selhurst Park.

Italian giants Juventus have attempted to sign Mateta during the January transfer window but have so far failed to meet Palace’s valuation, believed to be around £40m. 

Aston Villa, long-time admirers of the striker, have also shown interest in a potential move.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed last week that the club are open to offers. 

He said there is a price Palace would accept with Mateta’s contract situation in mind, adding that if no club meets that valuation, the striker will remain with the Eagles.

Mateta has been one of Palace’s standout performers, scoring 54 goals in 177 appearances, with a significant upturn in form over the past 18 months. 

He has made his senior debut for France and scored in his last two international outings, fuelling his ambition to play Champions League football and feature at the World Cup.

Sources close to the player say Mateta is frustrated by the club’s lack of progress on a new contract and by what he perceives as unfulfilled promises around recruitment and ambition. 

His desire for a new challenge comes during a turbulent period for Palace, following the departures of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.

The uncertainty is compounded by Glasner’s announcement that he will leave at the end of the season, a poor run of form that has left Palace winless in 10 matches, and a shock FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield. 

With injuries and absences affecting the squad, Palace may need to act quickly before the transfer window closes if they are to stabilise a difficult campaign.