‘Mikel Arteta to reject Jean-Philippe Mateta at Arsenal for one reason’
Mikel Arteta may turn down the chance to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for Arsenal this summer for one particular reason.
The absence of a striker has been a major problem for the Gunners this season, ultimately costing them in their attempts to end their wait for a trophy.
As a result, the signing of a centre-forward looks to be at the top of the agenda at the Emirates Stadium once the transfer window opens at the end of this season.
Last month, Football Insider was told that Arsenal scouts have watched Mateta as they weigh up a move for the Crystal Palace man.
Ray Parlour though, is unsure whether the 27-year-old would be the right fit for what Arteta wants in his side.
‘Jean-Philippe Mateta may not meet Mikel Arteta demands’
This season, Mateta has caught the eye with a number of his performances for Crystal Palace, which have been to them recovering from a poor start in the Premier League, and reaching the FA Cup final.
Indeed, Mateta even impressed with a stunning equaliser against Arsenal in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium just last month.
But despite his excellent form in front of goal, Parlour is unconvinced as to whether the Frenchman does enough of the ball to convince Arteta to make a move for him.
| Jean-Philippe Mateta 2024/25 stats | Total (Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
While speaking on talkSPORT, the former Gunners midfielder was asked whether he would take Mateta at Arsenal.
In response to that question, Parlour said: “I would probably [ask] that would [his] work rate be enough? I know, look, he puts the ball in the back of the net, but I think Mikel Arteta wants someone who’s going to close down.
“I mean, whether he’d be on his radar, I’m not too sure, but what he’s done at Crystal Palace, he’s been excellent. He really has. He’s got his opportunity and he’s banged the goals in.”
Arsenal could do a lot worse than Crystal Palace star
Football Insider Verdict
Given it is what most of his other attacking options do, it does make sense that Arteta might want a strike who is going to drop back and press as well.
Ultimately though, what Arsenal have lacked throughout much of this season is someone who is going to be in the right place at the time to put chances away inside the area.
That has been a key factor in them missing out on some vital wins, that could have got them much closer to winning a major trophy.
If they were to sign Mateta they would have someone who they know would be in those positions to take those chances, and potentially change the course of next season for them.
With that in mind, a move to sign the striker would surely still be a sensible one for Arsenal to make if they can pull it off.
Indeed, the likes of Man United have also been linked with Mateta recently, and so winning the race for his services would be a coup for the Gunners.