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Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Manchester United are actively looking for an attacking signing this winter.
The transfer guru stressed that despite missing out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, United’s plans for this window remain unchanged.
The Red Devils remain determined to strengthen their front line, a move that would in turn pave the way for Joshua Zirkzee’s move to AS Roma.
With that out of the way, for those curious as to which striker United could be targeting, Pete O’Rourke has now dropped a major hint.
United return for Mateta
Via Football insiderO’Rourke reports:
“Manchester United have turned their attention to a January transfer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.”
United tried to sign Mateta last summer but failed to get a deal done, although they did go ahead and sign Benjamin Sesko.
Mateta chance
Now that the 28-year-old is entering the final eighteen months of his contract and extension talks have stalled, a transfer opportunity is starting to emerge.
Interestingly, O’Rourke claims that Palace have already started assessing potential replacements as they brace for the Frenchman’s possible departure.
As the Eagles prepare for life without him, it will be fascinating to see how they respond when United test their resolve with a bold bid this winter.
The Zirkzee replacement
Mateta may not have reached the heights of last season, when he scored 17 goals, but he has scored nine this season. The expectation was that he would build on last year’s numbers, but his production has dropped.
Yet as a classic number nine, Mateta offers physical presence, aerial power and clinical finishing. He could be the ideal replacement for Zirkzee and a strong alternative to Sesko. His arrival would push the Slovenian striker to his limits and potentially get the best out of him.
A reliable goalscorer takes United to the next level
United in particular are already among the top scorers in the Premier League, ahead of only Manchester City and Arsenal.
Yet the absence of a reliable striker continues to hold them back. Sesko and Zirkzee’s struggle in front of goal has been a major stumbling block and Mateta could be the solution to that problem.
Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images
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