Manchester United eyeing January move for prolific France international striker after contract talks stall

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Manchester United are interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The 28-year-old’s future at Selhurst Park remains doubtful following stalled contract extension talks.

Mateta’s contract at Crystal Palace is set to expire in the summer of 2027, and so far the Palace hierarchy have failed to tie him down further. The striker has enjoyed a rise in stature over the past few seasons with Palace, bagging 45 goals in 148 Premier League appearances.

His breakout campaign came in 2023/2024 when he scored 16 Premier League goals. He followed that up with 14 goals last season (2024/2025).

This form earned him his first full France call up in 2025, where he has already scored twice in his three appearances. Mateta is currently on 7 goals so far this season, leading Palace in scoring.

His last goal came against United on 30 November. Football Insider now reports that United are exploring a deal for the Frenchman this month, having been long term admirers of the player.

United invested heavily in attacking reinforcements over the summer, spending over £216m on forward players. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko all joined a new look United attack, but Ruben Amorim’s side have still struggled for goals this season.

The striker position specifically has been a cause for concern, with Sesko so far struggling to make an impact in the Premier League. United have been in search of long term cover in that position for a few seasons, having signed Rasmus Hojlund in 2023 followed by Joshua Zirkee in 2024.

The pair also struggled for impact, scoring just seven Premier League goals between them last season. Hojlund is now thriving in Italy while on loan at Napoli, while Zirkzee has seen his time on the pitch limited.

Palace are seemingly resigned to losing more top players after seeing long time hero Eberechi Eze depart for Arsenal over the summer. Another key midfielder, Adam Wharton, also continues to be linked with a move away from the club amid interest from United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Real Madrid.

Skipper and key defender Marc Guehi has already confirmed that he will depart the club once his contract expires over the summer. Guehi is linked with a move to Liverpool after deadline day move to Anfield collapsed in the final hours.

Uncertainty over the club’s future plans are believed to be a factor in Mateta’s so far reluctance to extend his stay at Selhurst Park. Palace have agreed a fee with Tottenham for the signing of forward Brennan Johnson, which many believe signals the club’s planning for life without Mateta.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.