Mateta unlikely to renew his deal with Palace and could leave this summer | OneFootball

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is unlikely to extend his contract (h/t Daily Mail).

The Palace centre-forward was on the verge of leaving the club in January, but a move to AC Milan never materialised. He is reportedly still keen on moving to Italy.

The France international, who is a ‘tremendous character‘, will likely lead the line for the Eagles in the Europa Conference League final, but it could be his last game for the club.

Mateta has bagged 15 goals and three assists in 49 appearances this season, taking his tally to 61 goals and 14 assists in 201 outings.

He has been Palace’s main man, recording 39 goals in 82 top-flight appearances under manager Oliver Glasner.

Palace should move for Burnley forward

Palace already have a ready-made replacement in Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has shown promising signs that he can replace Mateta.

However, the Eagles might still need another centre-forward, with Eddie Nketiah spending a chunk of the current season sidelined.

Summer addition Christantus Uche has not really pulled up any trees in England.

Burnley’s Zian Flemming is an option. Their relegation to the Championship could open the door for a transfer.

The Dutch forward is an intelligent striker who presses aggressively and has shown an eye for goals even in difficult spells.

He bagged 11 goals in 29 league appearances this term, which is no easy feat.

The 27-year-old still has significant upside and would likely be available for a reasonable fee given Burnley’s need to balance the books.

Palace need depth and competition up front, and Flemming is a smart, low-risk addition with high-reward potential.