Paul Dickov has urged Arsenal and Manchester United to pursue Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta.
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Dickov says Mateta is a "real handful"Ex-City man believes most PL teams need a no.9Gunners and Red Devils battling for GyokeresFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
The ex-City striker told BestBettingSites.com that Mateta would be a great fit for any top side in need of a striker, which, in his opinion is every team in the division bar Manchester City with Erling Haaland, and Newcastle with Alexander Isak. Dickov praised Mateta's ability to "get himself in the box", and described the Frenchman as a "real danger". The pull of European football would be enough to turn Mateta's head according to Dickov, who also suggested Palace's potential exclusion from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership rules might compel them to accept offers for their star striker,
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Dickov name checked Arsenal and Manchester United as two sides that are in desperate need of a no.9. The two clubs are believed to be pursuing a deal for Sporting Lisbon's star man, Viktor Gyokeres.
WHAT PAUL DICKOV SAID
Dickov said: "Anybody that's not playing in Europe, particularly in the Champions League, would love to go to a Champions League club.
"I think Mateta surprised everybody with his performances and his goals, especially last season and the season before. He's a real handful. We talk about the need for a real No. 9 at Arsenal or Manchester United.
"I think he'd be a great fit for any of the teams that are on the lookout for a striker like that because he's big, strong, and he holds the ball up ever so well. He gets himself in the box, you know. And there's a real danger when he gets in there.
"It seems that everyone apart from Man City with Haaland, and Newcastle with Isak, are on the hunt for a No. 9. I think Mateta would be a great signing for anyone.
"I think there'll be a lot of clubs looking at what's happening with them given the situation Crystal Palace find themselves in. I think European football – or its absence – is going to have a huge effect on which players Palace can keep, who wants to stay, and who are going to want to leave. Maybe, even, who will have to be sold for financial reasons."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA?
Everyone affiliated with the Selhurst Park will be holding their breath until their fate is handed down. Should UEFA decide Palace cannot take part in the Europa League next season, a move for Mateta becomes evermore likely.
