Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has given some clarity on Crystal Palace and their pursuit of Eddie Nketiah in the January transfer window.
Despite being given an incredibly difficult task with sorting out a major overhaul in terms of the playing staff at the club, Eagles boss Patrick Vieira has made a rather impressive start to life at Selhurst Park, with his side currently 12th in the division.
Part of that has been down to some of the impressive signings he has made, with players such as Michael Olise and Odsonne Edouard making huge impressions on the side, and Vieira will surely be hoping his next signing can have a similar impact.
Recent reports have linked Palace with a move for Arsenal forward Nketiah, and speaking on Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show, during a quickfire round-up segment, Sheth discussed some of the details surrounding a possible bid from the Eagles for the Gunners striker.
He noted that there is another player that has to be factored into the equation before the 22-year-old can make the move across London.
He said: “Discussions ongoing about a proposed move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace. Any move this month could depend on the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who’s on loan from Mainz.”
TIF Thoughts on Dharmesh Sheth’s comments on Crystal Palace and Eddie Nketiah…
Have Crystal Palace impressed you so far this season?
Yes
No
Jean-Philippe Mateta has found himself in a rather tricky situation at Crystal Palace this season, serving as a backup during the season so far, only starting four games for them in all competitions and making seven appearances in total.
So it really comes down to whether or not Mateta is likely to be getting any more minutes between now at the end of the season, which, based on what has happened so far this term, barring any sort of injury to a forward like the aforementioned Edouard or Christian Benteke, seems unlikely.
With Nketiah likely to be a permanent deal and Mateta only on loan, the Englishman should take priority in this case as he would represent the future of the club over Mateta. If Mateta was playing more, it would be a different story, but it might be time for the club to cut ties and just move on to someone else like the Arsenal ace.
In other news: ‘My sources’ – Journalist drops interesting Crystal Palace transfer claim