Atalanta’s Pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta Could Kickstart Transfer Domino Effect

Jean-Philippe Mateta has moved to the very top of Atalanta’s summer wishlist, as they scramble to replace last season’s Serie A top scorer, Mateo Retegui. Should Crystal Palace decide to let him go, they too will be on the lookout for a replacement.

Jean-Philippe Mateta to Replace Mateo Retegui?

Atalanta’s summer of change is far more aggressive than anyone in Bergamot could have imagined.

After a hugely successful season securing third place, and a Champions League berth, La Dea have been forced to come to terms with losing their manager of nine years, Gian Piero Gasperini.

He has been followed out of the exit door by Mateo Retegui, who was last season’s Serie A top scorer with 25 goals, while Ademola Lookman’s recent transfer request means they are also set to lose an additional 20 goals.

Add to that the departures of Matteo Ruggeri and Roberto Piccoli, and Atalanta could raise close to $200 million in player sales by the end of the window.

Atalanta are, of course, known for their sustainable transfer model which promotes, smart, value-driven acquisitions, while also selling for the right price.

However, replacing both Lookman and Retegui in the same window is a tall order, given they combined for 48 goals last season in all competitions.

Prolific strikers are in limited supply in the market, but Atalanta have identified Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as the ideal replacement at centre-forward.

The Frenchman has been one of the Premier League’s most potent goal-getters over the past two seasons, racking 30 goals and eight assists.

Mateta is no doubt admired by a long line of suitors, given how consistent his goalscoring exploits have been, and Crystal Palace are under no illusions that they can demand a substantial fee.

Reports have even suggested Atalanta have sounded out an initial $35 million fee, although Palace quickly rebuffed their proposal.

Although Mateta, 28, is favored to stay by offshore sportsbooks with two years left on his current contract, Palace must balance whether to sell now for a worthwhile fee, or risk losing one of their most lucrative assets for a reduced price further down the line.

Crystal Palace Striker Targets

Crystal Palace had been ready to pounce on a new striker, in case of Mateta’s exit. The Eagles had laid the groundwork for a deal involving Nice striker Evann Guessand, who scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 last term.

However, Palace have this week been beaten to his signature by fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa, leaving them lost in their search for potential new strikers.

Palace are known to have held interest in Lazio’s Valentin Castellanos this summer, however. The Argentine scored 10 goals in Serie A last season, and has already turned down a lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia this summer, in order to stay in Europe.

Lazio are adamant the 26-year-old is not for sale, but Palace could test their resolve with a proposal financed by Mateta’s exit.