Mateta in Crystal Palace contract talks as Man Utd interest resurfaces

Crystal Palace are moving proactively to secure the future of star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with discussions already underway over a new deal at Selhurst Park. The 28-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards across the last two seasons, scoring 30 league goals in that period and adding another eight in all competitions this term. After summer links to Manchester United — and ongoing interest from several Premier League clubs — Palace want clarity long before his contract reaches its final year.

Mateta currently has 18 months remaining on his deal, but Palace sources expect the market to heat up again in January. Sky Sports report that talks remain ongoing, although no full agreement has yet been reached. What has changed, however, is Mateta’s profile: he is no longer the raw, inconsistent forward who struggled during his early Premier League days. Instead, he is now a France international striker scoring at both club and international level, and for Palace this negotiation is as much about ambition as it is about financial protection.

It helps that Mateta has never hidden his ambition. Asked last month whether he dreamed of joining an elite club, he admitted to RMC Sport that every ambitious player wants to reach that level — especially after making their national team breakthrough. That honesty may worry some Palace fans, but internally the club remain confident that their European football this season makes them an attractive enough project to keep Mateta engaged.

Having covered Palace closely this season, the club’s decision to begin negotiations early is critical. In our view, this is the striker’s peak value moment — both on the pitch and in the market. He’s scoring, he’s an international, and he’s central to Glasner’s system. Allowing him to enter the final year of his contract would spark a transfer frenzy Palace would struggle to control.

Another important nuance: although Palace remain relaxed about the situation, sources around the club acknowledge they cannot match the long-term financial packages of Champions League clubs. That means the real battle is about selling Mateta the project — not the salary. It’s worth questioning whether Palace’s European status beyond this season will determine the outcome. If they slip out of contention, the dynamic shifts dramatically.

A further point: Mateta wants to test himself at the highest level. Palace must show they are building toward that. Otherwise, even a new contract may simply delay an inevitable future exit.

United may have signed Šeško, but their striker situation remains fluid. If his adaptation slows, Mateta — physically dominant, Premier League-proven, and entering his prime — becomes an appealing alternative. His price tag last summer now looks like a bargain relative to the market. Palace know this, and that knowledge is shaping their urgency.

Negotiations are expected to continue through January. Palace want a long-term deal in place before summer, while Mateta weighs ambition against loyalty. If agreement stalls, Premier League clubs — including United — are ready to circle.

👉 Palace fans — should the club push harder to extend Mateta now, even at a premium?