Crystal Palace have reportedly initiated discussions with Wolverhampton Wanderers regarding the potential acquisition of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, valued at approximately £40 million. This development comes as speculation intensifies surrounding the future of Eagles forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is increasingly linked with a move to Aston Villa before the February transfer deadline.
Palace Seek Replacement Amidst Squad Turmoil
The South London club, navigating a challenging period following the confirmed departure of manager Oliver Glasner and captain Marc Guehi's exit to Manchester City, appear to be proactively planning for further significant changes. According to reports from talkSPORT, Palace officials have already engaged in preliminary talks with Wolves, identifying Norwegian international Strand Larsen as a ready-made replacement for the potentially outgoing Mateta.
Wolves' Valuation Shift Opens Door for Deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers, who staunchly rejected bids exceeding £55 million for Strand Larsen from Newcastle United last summer, are now understood to have lowered their asking price to around the £40 million mark. This adjustment is largely attributed to the club's precarious Premier League position, facing almost certain relegation, which presents a final opportunity to secure a substantial transfer fee for the 25-year-old forward.
Strand Larsen, originally brought to Molineux by sporting director Matt Hobbs for roughly £25.5 million from Celta Vigo, impressed during his debut Premier League campaign, netting 14 goals. Hobbs, now in a similar role at Crystal Palace, could be instrumental in facilitating the striker's move to Selhurst Park for a second time.
Aston Villa's Pursuit of Mateta Gathers Momentum
The potential arrival of Strand Larsen at Palace would significantly clear the path for Jean-Philippe Mateta's proposed transfer to Aston Villa. Villa manager Unai Emery is known to be a long-term admirer of the French striker, and the club are actively seeking to bolster their attacking options following Donyell Malen's loan departure to AS Roma.
However, the Birmingham-based club must navigate complex financial regulations. Birmingham World reports that Aston Villa are operating within tight constraints of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and UEFA's Squad Cost Rules (SCR). Consequently, any offer for Mateta may need to be structured with a portion of the fee deferred until the summer or later, rather than a straightforward upfront payment.
Alternative Striker Options for Villa
Villa's search for a new centre-forward has also extended to former player Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma. The club have held intensive discussions about a potential return to Villa Park for the England international, seven years after his initial spell. However, due to the aforementioned financial limitations, it is considered highly improbable that Villa would secure both Abraham and Mateta in this transfer window.
With the February 2nd deadline fast approaching, the interconnected moves involving Strand Larsen, Mateta, and Villa's striking targets promise to create a compelling narrative in the final days of the January transfer window. Palace's success in landing their Wolves target could be the crucial domino that enables Mateta's long-anticipated switch to the Midlands.
