Revealed: Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stance on Crystal Palace exit amid ‘whispers’
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a crucial part of Crystal Palace’s recent success and is now receiving recognition at international level with France.
Didier Deschamps handed the 28-year-old his first senior call-up for the October internationals in what was celebrated as a huge career step for the Palace star.
Following that, Mateta scored against Iceland on his first start for France, but there have since been suggestions that he could make a step up at club level.
The striker has seen former Palace teammates Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise make the step up to Champions League sides, with the latter also in the France squad.
Mateta hinted about his future as he explained: “When you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who play in the Champions League, who win the biggest trophies. When you play surrounded by the best players in the world, naturally you want to reach that milestone.” [RMC Sport]
Jean-Philippe Mateta is happy at Crystal Palace despite concerns
Crystal Palace are continuing plans to keep Mateta with a new contract likely to be offered, while he is believed to be happy at Selhurst Park.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Palace’s recent success has shown Mateta what he can achieve there.
However, there is an acceptance that being on France duty could cause new concerns for the Eagles with his teammates “whispering in his ear”.
“From what I hear, Mateta is happy at Crystal Palace,” Brown told Football Insider.
“Palace are trying their best to keep him at the club, as they will with all of their best players.
“The club have been great for him, he’s really developed his game and gone above what many people would have expected, and he’s now receiving international recognition.
“I’ve seen it before with players, they go on international duty and then the other players are whispering in their ear about potential transfers.
“Fans don’t hear about this stuff, but in my experience it happens more than you’d expect.
“I’m not saying that 100 per cent has happened with Mateta, but it wouldn’t be a shock to me, and when he’s surrounded by all of these top players it can be tempting.
“All of a sudden, they’re all talking about being in the Champions League and winning this and that, and then you start thinking about making a step up.
“From what I know about Mateta at Palace, he is happy there and has been happy to stay, and the club of course are very happy with him.
“I think it would be the best decision for everybody if he was to commit his future to Palace, but I also know that’s not always the way it works.
“Ultimately, as I keep saying, he is happy and Palace will hope that’s enough to keep him.”
Mateta’s ambitions will come as no surprise to the Eagles, having always backed himself to play at the very highest level for both club and country.
Crystal Palace turned down £50m offer for Mateta
Football Insider revealed Crystal Palace will turn down offers for Mateta in January after also rejecting moves during the summer window.
Meanwhile, Palace have been told to tie down Mateta to a new contract as soon as possible after his displays for France amid ongoing interest from a number of top clubs.
The likes of Tottenham and Liverpool had expressed an interest during the summer, while Palace received a £50million offer from an unnamed Champions League side.
Brown told Football Insider in May that Mateta is happy at Crystal Palace despite the intense speculation surrounding his future at Selhurst Park.
However, doubts are beginning to grow about his future with the temptation of playing in the Champions League now stronger after his debut for France.
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