West Ham United may be preparing a surprise move in the transfer market, with reports suggesting they could target Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The French forward’s future at Palace remains uncertain, making him an intriguing option for the Hammers.
Mateta initially struggled to make an impact during his loan spell at Palace but secured a permanent move in January 2022.
Over the past year, however, he has transformed into a prolific goal scorer, netting 16 Premier League goals last season and already reaching double digits this term.
His impressive form has put him on West Ham’s radar, with new manager Graham Potter keen to strengthen his attacking options.
According to TBR Football, West Ham are one of several clubs monitoring Mateta’s situation, as his performances under Oliver Glasner have caught widespread attention.
Since Glasner’s arrival in February 2024, Mateta has scored 26 goals in 41 appearances, making him a fan favorite at Selhurst Park.
His goal tally is among the highest in the league during that period, with only Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer, and Mohamed Salah outscoring him.
Given his form, West Ham’s interest in securing his services is understandable, especially with questions surrounding his long-term future at Palace.
Despite Palace extending Mateta’s contract until 2027 by triggering a one-year option, his future remains uncertain.
The club is still working to secure him on a longer deal, but interest from multiple Premier League sides—including Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United—complicates the situation. Additionally, several top European clubs are closely following developments.
West Ham’s attacking struggles have been evident this season, leading them to make a last-minute loan move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
Injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio have left Potter short on reliable goal-scoring options, making Mateta an appealing long-term solution.
His Premier League experience and recent goal-scoring exploits make him a strong candidate to bolster West Ham’s frontline.
With Mateta’s future still undecided, the coming months could see a fierce transfer battle, and West Ham might push to bring him across London in an effort to strengthen their squad for the long term.
