Arne Slot eyes surprise move for Crystal Palace striker: report | OneFootball

Liverpool have reportedly initiated contact with Crystal Palace over the possible signing of Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to Foot Mercato in France.

The 28-year-old, who stands at 1.92 metres tall, scored 17 goals and registered 4 assists in 46 appearances last season for the Eagles.

Born in Sevran, the French forward is now said to be under consideration by our recruitment team as we search for a new option in the final third.

“Liverpool have made contact with Jean-Philippe Mateta,” Foot Mercato report.

“In search of an attacking reinforcement, Liverpool are sounding out the market.

“According to our information, the Reds have taken the temperature for Jean-Philippe Mateta.”

The article adds that talks have begun, but the situation remains exploratory for now.

Whether a formal offer will follow remains to be seen.

Liverpool considering striker options after Jota tragedy

(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

This report arrives after we returned to action for the first time since the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain.

Our friendly win over Preston North End saw both sets of supporters pay tribute to the Portuguese No.20 with a minute’s silence and a stirring rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Replacing Jota’s goals and versatility will be a major footballing challenge, with the emotional implications of his loss reaching far wider than his on-field capabilities.

With Darwin Nunez’s future at Anfield still uncertain, there’s also a growing need to plan for a reshaped forward line.

Would Mateta be a good fit for Liverpool?

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Frenchman may not be the glamorous marquee name some fans expect, but his Premier League experience and profile could appeal to our recruitment team as a reliable rotational option.

Arne Slot will want to add versatility to his forward line and Mateta’s off-the-ball work has often earned him praise under Oliver Glasner, something Trent Alexander-Arnold witnessed first hand at Selhurst Park.

With 57 goal contributions in 152 Palace appearances since arriving in 2021, Mateta is a player with proven league-level production and physical presence.

Whether we push forward with a formal bid will likely depend on developments elsewhere in the market, including possible sales.

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