Liverpool transfer news: Jean-Philippe Mateta links assessed as Arne Slot continues search for striker

It is difficult to imagine Liverpool moving for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, Reds transfer expert David Lynch has claimed.

The champions look set to add a striker this summer to their ranks, with reports suggesting they have made an official approach to Newcastle United for Alexander Isak, while a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike is said to be advancing.

However, links to Palace centre-forward Mateta have also emerged in recent days, though many supporters were not expecting the Frenchman to become a target this window.

That sentiment was shared by Lynch, who told Sports Mole that he is sceptical that a deal will materialise, saying: "I'd take those rumours with a big pinch of salt. He's a very good player - look at his goal record over the last couple of seasons, he's got 35, 36 goals in the Premier League over the last two campaigns.

"But think about the names that Liverpool are being linked to at centre-forward. Ekitike, Isak - these are much higher profile and with much higher potential, and can make an impact at Liverpool, whereas I just don't see Mateta in his age bracket now doing the same.

"It just doesn't feel very Liverpool, so I would be very surprised if there's any truth in that or if anything comes of it."

Considering the striker is 28 years old, it would be risky to hand out a long-term contract to Mateta that takes him into his thirties.

Can Mateta be a starter for Liverpool in the Premier League?

Mateta scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season, and he found the back of the net 16 times in the 2023-24 top-flight campaign.

At his best, the forward is able to effectively combat opposition centre-backs, and his ability to make the most of low-probability chances in the box could make him an attractive option for the Reds.

Despite Mateta's strengths, Lynch does not believe he should be considered for a starting role, telling Sports Mole: "Could Mateta go to an equally high-profile club and regularly start games? Maybe.

"There's just a few reasons I struggle to see that at Liverpool. I don't see him as the starting centre-forward at a Liverpool team that is looking to defend its Premier League title and go a little further in the Champions League this season. He just doesn't feel as good [as other options].

"He's a very, very good player and I'm not doing him down in any way, but is he [truly a leading striker]? He doesn't feel like that, and at the age of 28, the prospects of him getting there feel slim at the moment."

Other sides like Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the Palace star's signature, and given they are unlikely to compete for the title, they may be able to immediately offer him a place in their XI.

Could Mateta be backup to Ekitike or Isak?

Perhaps Mateta would be targeted as a result of uncertainty regarding the futures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, who are both attracting interest from sides in Europe and the Saudi Pro League.

If the pair depart, Liverpool will need to delve into the transfer market for replacements, and the Palace striker could be viewed as a squad option to replace Nunez.

Lynch was only able to see Mateta as a backup to the likes of Isak and Ekitike, when he told Sports Mole: "He's 28, he's probably reaching the peak of his powers now but he'd be looking for a big pay rise. It doesn't seem like one that Liverpool would go for unless they feel they need someone in a backup role.

"Maybe he is seen as a backup, but again, is that a hugely appealing thing for him at this moment in his career? I don't know. You never know how that works out - some players have different aims with their careers.

"So I think if he were to come it would almost certainly be as a backup, but again, I'm just a little sceptical about those links. If I'm honest, I really struggle to see that one coming off."

The price that Palace demand for Mateta could be key to a deal, especially as Liverpool's spending could exceed £300m this summer, but he may become an option if the Eagles ask for a reasonable sum.

> Click here to listen to the full discussion on Liverpool's links to Jean-Philippe Mateta

Written by
Lewis Nolan