After a history-making season in which Crystal Palace won the FA Cup for the first time ever, they look to strengthen ahead of what will be yet another challenging Premier League campaign. However, one of the biggest hurdles to competing for the top end of the table will be retaining their star players from last campaign. Fans will be glad to hear that Crystal Palace have just rejected a bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta, from Italian side Atalanta.
Crystal Palace Reject Bid for Star Player in Hopes of Retaining Core of Trophy-Winning Side
Rodrigo Muniz Also An Option
Nizaar Kinsella has revealed that an offer of just over £30 million has been submitted by Atalanta for Mateta, who scored 17 goals last season. However, fans will be thankful to hear that Crystal Palace have rejected this. Kinsella states that it is unclear whether the Eagles would be open to considering a sale should the Serie A outfit come back with a higher bid.
Atalanta are in the market for a new number nine after losing their star player, Mateo Retegui, to Al-Qadsiah, as the Saudi Pro League continues to poach some of Europe’s best players for high prices. The 26-year-old was the top scorer in his division last year, netting 25, and has moved for a healthy fee of £56 million.
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I Nerazzurri are also considering fellow Premier League striker Rodrigo Muniz as an option, alongside Nikola Krstovic (Lecce) and Tolu Arokodare (Genk).
Crystal Palace Must Keep Jean-Philippe Mateta
Palace are already having a tricky summer, as they hope to retain the core of their trophy-winning side. Liverpool have their eye on captain Marc Guehi, who is in the last year of his contract. Meanwhile, Arsenal (and previously Tottenham Hotspur) are interested in Eberechi Eze.
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If Eze were to depart, this would be a real blow, particularly after losing their other key creator, Michael Olise, last summer. They must keep Mateta, who is capable of finding the back of the net in the most stale games due to his sheer physicality. With Sunderland and Leeds making statements with their summer business, and Palace set to play twice a week with European football, mid-table sides must not understate the possibility of a relegation battle – and goals are key to winning these.
With the current state of the striker market, the South London outfit would struggle to find a decent replacement for “one of the best Premier League strikers”.
