Everton are on the lookout for a striker who can immediately bolster their feeble frontline that has struggled to get going this season. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is the latest name to be linked with a move to Goodison Park in January.
The Toffees have less than 72 hours to get incomings at the club and despite being linked to a host of names, nothing has been advanced yet. Everton have appointed Sean Dyche as the new manager after Frank Lampard was sacked on Monday, following a terrible run of results that saw the club fall into the drop zone.
Everton sit 19th after 20 Premier League games and will require a humungous effort to turn around their fortunes and climb back up. Dyche has an arduous task on his hands, especially because he is inheriting a disjointed squad with a weak attack.
The sale of Anthony Gordon has further deprived the Toffees of attacking options and EFC needs to sign a winger and a centre forward before the end of the January transfer window. If Everton fail to get at least a couple of attacking options, their chances of surviving the relegation battle are extremely grim.
Everton eye Jean-Philippe Mateta on a loan deal
Ever since Dyche was selected as the next Everton boss, links to strikers have increased. The names like Marko Arnautovic, Che Adams and Viktor Gyokeres have been circulating in Everton circles. EFC have now been linked to Crystal Palace forward Mateta as the Merseysiders are eyeing a loan deal for the Frenchman, as per Alan Nixon on Patreon.
Mateta joined Palace in 2021 on an initial loan deal. The move was made permanent in January 2022 for £9.65 million. Last season, the 25 year old played 22 Premier League games and netted five goals. This season, Mateta has played 16 games, starting just three of them and scored a solitary goal so far.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira prefers Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard in the striker’s role which has seen Mateta’s role being reduced to being a substitute. Everton are not the only side tracking Mateta’s situation. Marseille and Celta Vigo are also keen to take the 25 year old on loan who is facing an uncertain future at Selhurst Park.
Mateta could be a player that Dyche likes because of his towering presence and physical build, allowing him to hold up play and be dangerous in the box for crosses. Palace will need to make a decision soon as the transfer deadline day inches closer.
Should EFC sign Jean-Philippe Mateta?