Liverpool have now reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace as the South London club continue their attempts to agree a new deal with the Frenchman.
The Reds could certainly do with an added boost one way or another. They entered the November international break off the back of yet another defeat, this time against Manchester City, and must put their Premier League form behind them against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
Against Sean Dyche’s side that will be easier said than done, however, and what hasn’t helped Arne Slot is the recent injury news regarding Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz. Both will miss Forest’s visit to Anfield this weekend, with Bradley set to be out for at least three weeks in a major blow.
Slot confirmed the news, telling reporters: “[Andy] Robertson will be with us today. Alisson trained last week and this week so he will be able to play if things work out today.
“We do have some issues after the international break. Conor Bradley is unable to play, Florian Wirtz unable to play. That is far from ideal. Both muscle issues. I don’t expect Conor to be part of the upcoming 22 days, maybe the end unless a miracle happens. Florian maybe should not be that long. Jeremie is out just as long, won’t be available in the next few weeks.”
Without Bradley, the Reds will only have Calvin Ramsay to call on at right-back, unless they decide to pull Dominik Szoboszlai from midfield again. With games coming thick and fast, it’s the last thing they needed.
However, Liverpool’s focus seemingly remains on improving their frontline even further. Despite breaking their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak in the summer, Anfield chiefs have now set their sights on Mateta.
Liverpool eyeing Jean-Philippe Mateta deal
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Mateta, who has also attracted the interest of Arsenal now that he’s almost into the final year of his Crystal Palace contract.
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The South London club are desperately attempting to tie their striker down to a new deal, but talks are yet to reach a conclusion. The longer negotiations go on, the more encouragement that the likes of Liverpool will have to move in and secure the Frenchman.
Minutes
959
632
Goals
6
3
Assists
0
1
Expected Goals
8.1
2.3
Although there will be some concerns that Mateta has underperformed his expected goals, the threat that he creates is clear. It speaks volumes of his quality that he’s outscored Hugo Ekitike so far this season, who many believe has made a solid start to life at Anfield.
Dubbed “amazing” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Mateta has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League in the last two years and may finally earn a big move as a result.
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