Forget Ollie Watkins - Man United should sign £40m Premier League striker who is "a really good fit"

One of the biggest talking points for Manchester United this summer is the striker position after what was a poor goal-scoring season for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. They combined for just seven Premier League goals last year.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been linked to United in recent weeks with suggestions that Villa could sell him for around £60m after they rejected a £40m bid from Arsenal in the January transfer window for the England international.

However, seeing as United have already spent £62.5m on Matheus Cunha, and are looking to spend a similar amount on Bryan Mbeumo. With that in mind, spending £60m on Watkins, too, could produce a significant financial hit, so they should consider cheaper alternatives.

Man United should sign Mateta instead of Ollie Watkins

Rather than spending big on Watkins, United could instead consider a different option. In the spring, United were linked with Crystal Palace target man Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had another superb season for Oliver Glasner’s side last year.

It was reported at the time that the Frenchman could command a transfer fee of around £40m rather than Watkins’ £60m, and that United were keeping an eye on him as a potential transfer target this summer.

However, since then, United haven’t been linked with a move for Mateta, but there is no obvious reason as to why, considering that Mateta is a cheaper option, who is a proven goal-scorer in the Premier League.

Last season, he made 46 appearances for Palace, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, the same number of goals that Watkins scored for Villa...but he made 54 appearances. Mateta is also two years younger than the England international. So, he’s younger, cheaper, and had a better goal-per-game ratio last season, so why would United not consider Mateta over Watkins?

Earlier in the season, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson tipped Man United to sign Mateta as he said: “Mateta makes good runs, he's strong, he's quick and he's a really good player. I think he's a really good fit for [Manchester United] at the moment with what they need and to steady the ship.”

Man United need to act fast to sign Mateta

If the Red Devils were to consider signing the 27-year-old, they would need to ensure they are quick about it. The BBC reports that Crystal Palace are ‘in talks’ with him over a new long-term contract at Selhurst Park.

United’s biggest issue is that Palace can offer Mateta European football next season, whereas they can’t. However, the pull of playing at Old Trafford and for one of the biggest clubs in the world would hopefully be enough of a draw.

Mateta’s current deal at Palace is due to expire in June 2027, but there is also a 12-month extension that the Eagles could trigger should they want to keep him for another season. Palace are reportedly reluctant to let him enter into the final year of his contract amid interest in him from Man United.

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