Two days ago, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta revealed he will hold talks with Oliver Glasner over his future. The striker told this to L’Equipe, who also stated that Napoli are looking at him for the summer window.
The Serie A side are preparing for Victor Osimhen’s exit and are looking for options in the market to replace the star.
According to Antonello Gallo, relayed by Area Napoli, the Crystal Palace player is on the Naples club’s agenda.
Area Napoli say Gallo is a journalist and an expert in foreign football, and has collected some information on the possibility of the 26-year-old leaving the Eagles for Napoli in the next window.
Crystal Palace appointed Glasner as Roy Hodgson’s successor in February, and Mateta has starred under the Austrian’s orders, scoring 10 goals in 12 league games. The manager is keen on retaining him and that could be an issue for Napoli to sign the Frenchman.
“I was told that Glasner has no intention of depriving himself of him, and therefore he would have suggested that the club ask for a figure significantly higher than the market price, considering that the player is still under contract,” Gallo explained.
Therefore, Napoli have to make a decision on whether to continue their pursuit of the Crystal Palace star or focus on other targets to replace Osimhen.
“Now it’s the club that will have to decide on the matter, but according to some, there would also be the possibility that Mateta even signs a renewal with the English, as he is given a very warm closeness with the fringes of the fans to whom the Frenchman probably does not want to disappoint. As usual, this is my point of the situation,” the journalist added.
That sounds like a reasonable take, but whether it’s in search of a transfer or an attractive renewal, there’s little doubt Mateta’s camp have been playing transfer games this week.
