Mateta has enjoyed an excellent season so far and has scored eight goals for Palace in 19 games as starter; Last season, the center forward scored 17 goals in 46 matches, and scored 19 goals in 39 matches in 2023/24.
He has previously said he wants to play in the Champions League, and it remains to be seen whether Palace are willing to sell the player mid-season. The report suggests that United are continuing to monitor the situation, and there is reportedly also interest from Tottenham, who eventually signed Randal Kolo Muani on loan.
Speaking about his desire to play on the European stage, Mateta said: “It’s natural, every ambitious player wants to reach that milestone. Especially when you arrive in the national team and around you, there are only players who played in the Champions League, who won the biggest trophies.”
“When you play surrounded by the best players in the world, of course, you want to reach that level.”
He has won three caps for France, and Didier Deschamps said of him: “So this is a big moment for him. Let him come with his enthusiasm and quality. He knows most of the players because he also saw (them) in the youth team.”
“It’s not about winning my heart. That’s not how it works. (He has to prove himself) on the team, in training and during games.”
