Crystal Palace nightmare almost over as star’s move away appears imminent

Crystal Palace outcast Jean-Philippe Mateta appears as if he will get his desired move away from Crystal Palace, after an update on his future surfaced.

Mateta, on loan from Mainz, has struggled for minutes since his loan period began last January. Indeed, the French-born striker has played just 14 times for Palace over that period.

Although, his game time has improved slightly of late. Mateta scored after starting against Norwich City in December, and almost bagged a stunning acrobatic equaliser from the bench against West Ham at the beginning of January.

Despite a slight change in fortunes, it is unlikely that Patrick Vieira will start Mateta all too often. In fact, there is a clause in his contract stating that Palace must pay £13.4million for him, should he make 15 Premier League starts for the side.

Given his lack of effectiveness, having only scored four goals for Palace, it is unlikely they would allow that to happen.

As such, Mateta’s desire to go on to pastures new makes sense. His proposed loan move to Saint-Etienne recently seemed unlikely, as the Ligue 1 strugglers were reportedly unable to pay his wages.

However, a further update on that move by Le Progres states that the French side are now able to take on his salary.

What’s more, neither his parent club Mainz or Crystal Palace are likely to stand in the way of Mateta’s move.

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As a result, he may finally be able to end the nightmare period he has had with Palace.

Saint-Etienne will hope he gets back up to speed quickly, should the move happen. The Greens are rock bottom of Ligue 1, and have lost five consecutive games, scoring just one goal in that period.

Mateta move would free up striker spot

Should Mateta move on from Palace in January, there will be space for another striker at the club.

What’s more, Palace have been tracking Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah.

Nketiah has impressed in the EFL Cup for Arsenal this season, but remains sidelined in the Premier League. Furthermore, he has played just 38 minutes in the league this season.

As such, a move looks likely, and Palace should be able to offer Nketiah consistent minutes.

However, the Eagles are joined by Brighton and Bayer Leverkusen in the pursuit of the 22-year-old.

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