Exclusive: Crystal Palace Fear Losing Jean-Philippe Mateta for Free as Striker Keeps Options Open for 2026

Crystal Palace are desperate for Jean-Philippe Mateta to sign a new contract, SportsBoom can exclusivey reveal.

The French international is under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Our sources understand Palace are willing to give him a substantial pay rise to stay at the club.

But sources close to the player have said the 28-year-old hitman wants to leave his options open with his primary focus making Didier Dechamps’ World Cup squad next summer.

Palace chiefs are eager to get a deal done because by that time the striker will only have 12 months left at the club and could feasibly leave for free, an issue they want to avoid after the Marc Guehi saga. 

It is understood a number of big European clubs are chasing the forward, who has scored 49 Premier League goals for the club, and could swoop if he goes to North America and has a good tournament next summer.

Mateta has had a decent start to the current campaign, seven goals in 14 league games, and forced his way into the France squad, scoring twice during last month's international break.

It is understood a move to Italy intrigues the in-form striker with AC Milan, Roma and Napoli understood to be interested.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace are confident of securing England international Adam Wharton to a new long-term deal, a move aimed at silencing growing interest from the likes of Manchester United.

In-Form Hitman

Mateta is the joint third highest scorer in the top flight this term alongside Brighton and Hove Albion’s Danny Welbeck.

Only Brentford’s Igor Thiago (11) and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland (15) has more.

Mateta signed a five-year deal at Lyon in 2016, but played just three times in the first team and ended up on loan at Ligue 2 club Le Havre in the 2017/18 campaign, where he bagged 20 goals in 38 games.

That saw him become the most expensive signing at Bundesliga club Mainz 05’s history and he went on to score 27 goals in 71 appearances for the club.

He joined Palace on loan in 2020, making the more permanent two years later, and was named Player of the Season in 2023/24 and helped the club win the FA Cup last term.