Earlier today, Crystal Palace confirmed they’ve completed a loan deal for FSV Main’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and the Eagles retain an option to make the transfer permanent.
The 23-year-old’s arrival at Selhurst Park means it’s an ‘end of story’ for Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
It’s claimed Roy Hodgson’s side will say ‘goodbye’ to the two attackers at the end of the season.
Benteke has less than six months left on his contract and Palace anticipate his departure in the summer following Mateta’s addition.
HLN explain the Premier League side’s intention is to not extend his contract beyond this term, meaning the former Aston Villa man will have to look for a new club.
Regarding Batshuayi, he is on loan from Chelsea and the newspaper adds Palace will not sign him after his campaign.
The Blues man hasn’t enjoyed regular minutes and despite that, Frank Lampard’s side have no plans to recall him early in the winter market.
Mateta’s arrival leaves Hodgson with several options in attack to pick from while selecting his starting XI.
Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew are certain to start most of the fixtures when they are fit and eligible for selection, and Mateta’s signing will only push Benteke and Batshuayi further down the pecking order.
