Atletico Madrid – unlike Crystal Palace – are a side who can boast a rich history of elite strikers.
The Spanish giants have previously hosted the likes of Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao, Diego Costa, Fernando Torres and David Villa.
We’ve had our fair share of top players – such as Ian Wright and Wilfried Zaha – but simply cannot compete with the level of those aforementioned six superstars.
However, there is one striker Atletico Madrid wanted to sign who actually ended up at Crystal Palace instead…
Atletico Madrid wanted to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta
Well, this is a new – and surprising – bit of information.
A story from Estadio Deportivo in Spain has covered a claim from the BBC, which stated that Real Betis and Sevilla want to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer.
The Spanish news outlet dispute that, explaining how both clubs are in no position to sign a new striker.
However, it was said that Atletico Madrid tried to buy Mateta from Mainz 05 before Dougie Freedman eventually sealed a £9m agreement with the Bundesliga outfit, which is very interesting.
As aforesaid, those at the Wanda Metropolitano have always had a keen eye for a prolific striker, acting swiftly on numerous occasions to ensure departures of stars such as Torres, Aguero and Falcao did not derail the club.
Therefore, the fact Mateta was being targeted reflects well on the Frenchman, as well as Freedman for actually swooping in and striking an agreement.
It took the man from Sevran some time to settle down at Selhurst Park and be named in the starting XI on a regular basis, but he is now starting to show exactly why Atletico Madrid were interested in the first place.
Mateta has impressively scored four goals in six Premier League appearances under Oliver Glasner – taking his total to ten goals in 32 games this season, while also providing four assists.
Crystal Palace want to keep the Frenchman
Mateta’s current contract expires in July 2026 – meaning the summer of 2025 would represent an uncertain time in his career if the situation does not change.
However, Crystal Palace want to amend that.
Alex Howell of the BBC has claimed that talks over a new contract will take place with Mateta soon, as those at Selhurst Park look to reward the 26-year-old for his superb efforts this season.
Hopefully, the Crystal Palace No.14 does put pen to paper, and can maintain this stunning run into the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.
