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Juventus set for transfer duel with Man United over Mateta

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Juventus set for transfer duel with Man United over Mateta

CPFC/X.com

Juventus continue to assess alternatives to strengthen their attack, and a new name has emerged on the club's shortlist in recent hours: Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The French forward is also being tracked by Manchester United ahead of the summer window, with the Red Devils having added the centre-forward to their list of targets as they look to reinforce their attacking options, setting up a potential transfer duel between the two clubs, reports TMW.

Mateta is contracted to Crystal Palace until June 2027, and although the club recently opened talks over a new deal, his long-term future does not appear entirely secure. Crystal Palace are believed to be willing to consider a sale should a suitable offer arrive, a situation that could open the door for his suitors, with both Juventus and Manchester United continuing to monitor developments around the player closely.

Juventus are evaluating several profiles to strengthen their forward line, and Mateta represents an option that combines international experience, physical strength and clinical finishing, exactly the kind of profile the club have been seeking. With negotiations for other targets still ongoing, the Frenchman could become a concrete option should the right circumstances emerge to open talks with Crystal Palace over a fee.

The coming weeks are expected to prove decisive in determining whether the duel with Manchester United develops into a genuine transfer battle or whether Mateta's future takes a different direction entirely.

Palace's valuation and their willingness to negotiate will likely shape how quickly either club is prepared to move, with Mateta himself having played a key role in the Eagles' recent European success and remaining one of the most sought-after strikers among clubs looking for proven Premier League quality this summer.

Juventus's interest comes as the club continues searching for a reliable centre-forward following Dusan Vlahovic's uncertain situation in Turin, with existing options Jonathan David and Loïs Openda yet to fully convince since their arrivals.

Mateta's proven scoring record and physical profile would offer head coach Luciano Spalletti a different type of striker to complement his current attacking options, while Manchester United's revived interest reflects their own ongoing search for a forward capable of sharing goalscoring responsibility at Old Trafford.