LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace applauds the fans after the draw in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. Could we see Jean-Philippe Mateta in a Liverpool shirt? (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Liverpool gain boost in pursuit of ‘old-fashioned’ Premier League striker as AC Milan back out – Report

Originally posted on Futbol Times | By Dinesh K | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 4:40 AM ET

Liverpool have made some strong moves in the transfer market so far this summer, signing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. The Reds may have seen Trent Alexander-Arnold leave this summer, but their squad looks much stronger.

However, it looks like the Reds are not yet done, as they continue to target a new number nine for Arne Slot. Last season, the Dutch tactician didn’t place much faith in Darwin Nunez, preferring to use Luis Diaz in that position when Diogo Jota was unavailable through injury.

Thus, it makes sense that Liverpool are interested in signing a striker this summer. Now, as per L’Equipe (h/t Liverpool Echo), the Reds have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Liverpool handed Mateta boost

Darwin Nunez compared to Jean-Philippe Mateta in 2024/25. (Source: DataMB) Darwin Nunez compared to Jean-Philippe Mateta in 2024/25. (Source: DataMB)

The report mentions that Italian giants AC Milan were providing competition to Liverpool for the 28-year-old Frenchman, but the club has now backed out as his asking price of €30m falls outside the scope of their limited budget.

Mateta has been a revelation for Palace in recent seasons, establishing himself as a very reliable goalscorer for Oliver Glasner’s side. In 47 appearances across all competitions last season, he scored 17 goals and provided 4 assists.

Labelled as an ‘old-fashioned’ striker by the legendary Thierry Henry, there is no doubt that the Frenchman adds something very different to the teams he plays in. Here is what the Arsenal icon had to say about Mateta:

“He’s an old-fashioned striker – you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball. He’s a boring striker to play against! He doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender. He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores. It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension.”

A different dimension

Liverpool have also been linked with players like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike for the number nine position, and with all due respect to the Eagles star, they represent a completely different caliber of transfer targets.

It could be that the Reds are looking at two strikers this summer – a potential superstar and someone who can create an impact off the bench.

Mateta has a point to prove to get into the France squad during a World Cup year, and playing at one of the biggest teams in the world could garner him a lot of attention. It remains to be seen how things play out in the coming weeks.

This article first appeared on Futbol Times and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: