Jean-Philippe Mateta demanding bumper new Crystal Palace contract in talks which could scupper Chelsea transfer plans

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA is angling for a new contract at Crystal Palace as his reputation soars.

Mateta rattled in 16 Premier League goals last season, including nine in the final six games.

Reuters

He has also scored two for France at the Olympics — one of them in the 1-0 win over Argentina that set up a semi-final against Egypt on Monday.

There is talk of a big move abroad for Mateta but his club could nip that in the bud with a pay rise before the end of the window.

RB Leipzig have previously bid for the striker, 27, and may return with an offer.

Napoli are also eyeing him up as a replacement for Victor Osimhen should he be sold to Chelsea.

But Palace do not want to lose Mateta and they have no replacement plans.

This is set to be a blow to Chelsea as they are hoping Napoli can agree a deal for Mateta to make way for Osimhen‘s departure.

Mateta joined Palace on loan from Mainz in 2021 and eventually signed permanently in a deal worth around £13million.

He scored just nine in 60 games during his first two seasons at Selhurst Park.

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But he showed huge improvement in the 2023/24 campaign, bagging 19 in 39 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Odsonne Edouard, 26, is also keen on a new deal but the Eagles have yet to start any negotiations.

Exeter want Selhurst forward Roshaun Mathurin, 20, on loan but he is close to Oliver Glasner’s squad.