In a turbulent transfer window for Newcastle United, the Geordies have earmarked Crystal Palace’s striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta, as their chief target, should Alexander Isak complete a move to Anfield. The Magpies have endured a frustrating summer, with key targets slipping through their fingers, compounded by Isak’s unexpected desire to leave Tyneside.
Despite Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League, and firm stance on not selling their Swedish talisman, Isak’s insistence on leaving has caused a significant shift in the club’s transfer strategy, prompting the player’s refusal to feature for the club again.
Liverpool’s initial £110 million offer for Isak was swiftly rebuffed, but the Reds are poised to return once reassured of Newcastle’s willingness to entertain negotiations. Newcastle had initially set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as Isak’s successor, but Manchester United’s successful swoop for the Slovenian forward has cast doubt over Isak’s immediate future.
Determined to push through a transfer to Merseyside, Isak’s departure seems increasingly inevitable, while Newcastle weighs up potential successors. Among the potential candidates is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, indicating Newcastle’s intention to bolster their squad beyond just a direct replacement for Isak.
Rudy Galetti has now thrown Jean-Philippe Mateta’s name into the hat, claiming the Eagles have upped their asking price for the French striker to around £40 million. Mateta is also catching the eye of Serie A outfit Atalanta, who are bracing for the possible departure of Ademola Lookman.
Mateta, who found the net 14 times over 37 Premier League outings last season, was pivotal in Palace’s FA Cup triumph – the club’s inaugural major trophy. He notably scored a 17th-minute penalty in the Eagles’ 2-2 Community Shield draw against Liverpool, which they subsequently won on penalties.
Despite Crystal Palace’s remarkable recent success, manager Oliver Glasner finds himself grappling with the potential exits of key figures this summer. Alongside Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi could exit Selhurst Park. Guehi, with only a year left on his contract, has attracted interest from Liverpool.
Meanwhile, north London is once again embroiled in a tug-of-war for Eze, as Tottenham Hotspur rekindles their interest in the playmaker, eager to outbid rivals Arsenal. Reports on Tuesday suggest Eze favours a move to Spurs, despite overtures from the Gunners.
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