Crystal Palace keen on Wolves ace as a possible Mateta replacement

Crystal Palace are considering a move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential replacement for Jean-Phillipe Mateta. Palace have been rocked by the news that their top goal scorer desires a move away from the club.

Mateta has made his feelings known to club hierarchy but has not submitted a formal transfer request at the moment. Palace are now braced for bids for their striker before the transfer deadline later this week, with Mateta the subject of serious inquiries from Nottingham Forest.

This comes after already losing talisman Eberechi Eze to Arsenal this summer, and skipper Marc Guehi to Manchester City earlier this month. Manager Oliver Glasner has also announced he will depart at the end of the season.

Mateta could be the next star name to depart Selhurst Park, and Sky Sports has reported that Palace are working to sort out a replacement. Wolves ace Strand Larsen is near the top of their list, after impressing since moving to the Premier League in 2024.

Larsen scored 14 Premier League goals in 35 appearances during his debut campaign last season. He has been less prolific this season, scoring just once in 19 Premier League appearances as Wolves find themselves in a relegation battle.

The Norwegian remains highly sought after however, with multiple clubs keen on his signature. The player is reportedly open to a move away from Wolves and prefers to stay in the Premier Leagu.

Palace have a long standing interest in Strand Larsen. They inquired about the player in December, but were put off by Wolves’ asking price of £40m at the time. Palace also value Mateta at £40m, and could be ready to reinvest those funds should they sanction a sale this time around.

Nottingham Forest also inquired about Strand Larsen around the same time they inquired about Mateta, as they look to add another striker despite signing Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli last week. Leeds and Aston Villa are the other Premier League clubs keen on Larsen.

Aston Villa are long-term admirers of both Strand Larsen and Mateta. Despite closing in on deal to sign Tammy Abraham for £18m from Besiktas, Villa are reportedly ready to add even more firepower.

Unai Emery’s men are wary of their PSR obligations however, making a move for another striker unlikely. Mateta has entered the final 18 months of his contract after failing to agree fresh terms with Palace. The France forward is believed to be seeking a substantial raise in his wages. 

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.

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