Amorim picks his striker: Man Utd identify ‘new’ priority target

Manchester United have reportedly identified Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta as their new priority centre forward target after missing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea.

The Red Devils are desperate to purchase a new striker following the struggles of both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season, and Mateta has emerged as a primary candidate.

The 27-year-old scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 46 games across all competitions for Crystal Palace during the 2024-25 campaign, and he helped the Eagles win their first ever major trophy thanks to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Mateta has two years remaining on his current contract at Selhurst Park, after Crystal Palace triggered their option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, but a summer exit is reportedly on the cards amid widespread interest from across Europe.

Man Utd have identified the Frenchman as their “new” priority striker target for the 2025 summer window, as per TEAMtalk, while AC Milan and Juventus are both monitoring his situation as they consider a possible summer bid.

Crystal Palace could reportedly sanction a sale if they receive an offer as low as €30 million and Man Utd are “poised” to make a formal move shortly.

The Red Devils have already confirmed the arrival of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, after agreeing to trigger his €74m release clause, and they are now eager to add Mateta to their ranks too.

Man Utd miss out on Liam Delap

Man Utd’s pursuit of Mateta comes after their failure to finalise a deal for the aforementioned Delap.

The Ipswich Town striker was seen as the club’s top target after an encouraging debut campaign at Portman Road, but he has opted to join Chelsea instead after the Blues secured their place in next season’s Champions League.

Delap is set to be formally announced as a Chelsea player shortly and he will compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting berth under Enzo Maresca.

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