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Not so long ago, the Premier League title was considered Arsenal's to lose. The Gunners still lead the division, but after defeat to Aston Villa, Manchester City are just two points behind Mikel Arteta's side. Villa are just one point behind City, who should now also be considered dark horses for the league.
A new striker was thought to be the difference between Arsenal winning the Premier League and being runners-up yet again. Therefore, the pressure was always going to be on Viktor Gyokeres, who is yet to produce the form he showed at Sporting CP last season.
Mikel Merino has filled in well when called upon to step up from midfield into the center-forward position. There is only so much he can do in the role, and he was taken off against Villa at half-time for Gyokeres.
Arteta has two strong players in each position, apart from up front. Therefore, Arsenal could do with signing a striker to challenge Gyokeres. A potential recruit could come from a club that the Gunners have signed many top players from in the past.
The Sun has reported that "Crystal Palace are ready to listen to summer offers for Jean-Philippe Mateta if they can’t strike a new deal with the in-form Frenchman."
Could Jean-Philippe Mateta improve Arsenal's roster?
Arsenal signed Ian Wright from Palace, and he went on to become one of the club's greatest ever strikers. More recently, Eberechi Eze also arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Selhurst Park. Eze has already become a hero for the Gunners due to his exploits against Tottenham Hotspur.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored seven goals in 14 Premier League games this season. He has been a key part of Palace's success recently, helping them win the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
Mateta's contract with Palace runs out in 2027, but Arsenal would face competition for his signature. The 28-year-old has also been linked with clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Juventus.
The French international would know that he would not be guaranteed to start at Arsenal. The Gunners, of course, have Gyokeres, who was bought for £64 million. Mateta will not likely be sold for that amount next summer, especially as he is approaching his thirties and would be available for free the following year.
Mateta has not yet played for a real top team on a global scale in his career. He was with Olympique Lyonnais, but only played three times for their first team. Therefore, representing a club of Arsenal's scale should be very tempting for the Frenchman.