Borussia Dortmund target Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta | OneFootball

Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are eyeing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential back-up striker for Sebastien Haller, according to Bild,

Dortmund’s search for a low-cost striker to bolster their ranks has led them to set their sights on Mateta.

The 26-year-old is the current third-choice striker at Palace and is valued at a reasonable €8 million, making him an enticing prospect.

The French striker’s experience in the Bundesliga, garnered during his three-year stint at Mainz, adds a layer of familiarity that could ease his integration into the squad.

Dortmund’s interest in Mateta stems from their desire to find a player who mirrors the style of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.

BVB want to forge a robust competition for the striker position, with Haller and Youssoufa Moukoko already in contention.

This urgency is heightened by the impending absence of Haller, who will leave to represent the Ivory Coast in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Moukoko’s promising potential has not convinced Dortmund’s management that he’s prepared to take on the mantle and lead the line.

Last season’s experience tells the same story. Dortmund secured Anthony Modeste on a short-term contract to back up Haller, who was recovering from testicular cancer, only to witness Moukouko eclipse the seasoned Frenchman.

Moukoko’s post-2022 FIFA World Cup performances waned, and Dortmund dropped him to the bench after Haller’s return to full fitness.

They plan on repeating the move by signing Mateta to maintain their offensive prowess when the 2024 AFCON comes around.

The January transfer window will be a critical juncture for Dortmund as they strive to fortify their squad depth.

Mateta’s Bundesliga familiarity and goalscoring prowess could see him emerge as the key figure to complement Dortmund’s attacking unit.

His signing will ensure their ambitions remain undeterred despite Haller’s international commitments. However, it could also hinder Moukoko’s development.