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Crystal Palace have been in contact to sign a “fantastic” Premier League striker, with his club now willing to cash-in for the right fee this month.

Palace stepping up pursuit of new striker amid interest in Mateta

Jean-Philippe Mateta didn’t exactly put himself in the shop window with his performance against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 5.8, after winning just two of the nine duels he contested in the disappointing 2-0 defeat.

However, as the Frenchman’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and fresh terms are yet to be agreed, interest from some rival Premier League clubs is now starting to grow.

With that in mind, Palace have now set out to bring in a potential replacement, and it was recently revealed that Strasbourg star Joaquin Panichelli has been identified as their top target.

However, another option has also entered the frame, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Eagles have been in contact over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jorgen Strand Larsen, but they are not alone in their pursuit.

Indeed, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are also in the race for the striker, with his current employers willing to cash-in for £40m this month, given that they are almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League.

With Wolves keen to protect the Norwegian’s value, they are now open to a sale, but the Eagles should have some reservations about pursuing a move for the former Celta Vigo man…

Strand Larsen would be risky signing for Palace

Crystal Palace have already broken their transfer record once this month, shelling out £35m to sign Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur, and they may need to do so again if they are to win the race for the Wolves centre-forward.

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However, the Halden-born striker’s performances this season leave a lot to be desired, having been relegated to the bench for the past three Premier League matches, as a result of scoring just one goal this term.

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There are some indications the Norway international could be a success at Selhurst Park, given that he scored 14 top-flight goals last season, during which time the Wolves ace was lauded as “fantastic” by former manager Vitor Pereira.

The Eagles’ main priority, however, should be to keep hold of Mateta, as despite struggling against Newcastle last time out, the 28-year-old has been reliable in front of goal this season, netting eight goals in 20 Premier League outings.

Arsenal delivered a devastating statement of intent in the Premier League title race with a commanding 4-1 demolition of third-placed Aston Villa to stretch their advantage at the top to five points heading into 2026.

Manager Mikel Arteta described the emphatic victory as a “beautiful evening” after his side exacted revenge for their stoppage-time defeat at Villa Park 24 days earlier.

Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and a first from Gabriel Jesus since New Year’s Day had the Gunners four goals to the good at one point of the rout before Ollie Watkins bagged a consolation on his birthday.

Arsenal have now scored 22 set-piece goals, excluding penalties, in consecutive years, becoming only the second team to achieve this feat after AFC Wimbledon between 1993 and 1996.

Gabriel’s 19th Premier League goal also represents the most scored by any defender since his September 2020 debut in the competition.

Villa now sit six points adrift of the leaders with their title challenge potentially extinguished by the scale of this defeat.

Manager Unai Emery had played down championship talk in his pre-match comments, insisting such discussions did “not make sense” for his team, and this chastening experience vindicated his caution.

Second-placed Man City can reduce the gap to two points when they visit Sunderland on New Year’s Day, though Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves under mounting pressure following Arsenal’s most convincing performance in several weeks.

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The Sky pundit has made his feelings clear.

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The Gunners now travel to Bournemouth on Saturday seeking to maintain momentum in what promises to be a grueling title race over the campaign’s second half.

Off the field, sporting director Andrea Berta is working on ways to strengthen Arteta’s squad in any way possible, whether that be in January or next summer.

Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal could be active next month, and a report from CaughtOffside has claimed that Real Madrid sensation Arda Güler is on their radar.

Arsenal view Arda Güler as "Odegaard-style" signing on loan-to-buy

The Turkey international, according to their information, is viewed by Arsenal as a potential “Odegaard-style” project signing via a loan-to-buy deal, even if Xabi Alonso is very reluctant to let him leave.

Right now, Berta and Arsenal are admirers of Guler as they continue montioring his development at the Bernabeu.

The talented playmaker has transformed into a regular starter under Alonso following the Spaniard’s appointment as Real boss last summer.

Subscribe for in-depth Arsenal title and transfer insight Join the newsletter for focused analysis of Arsenal’s title charge, their set-piece dominance and transfer targets like Arda Güler — plus wider Premier League and transfer coverage so you get full context on the season’s major storylines.

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Guler has established himself as a genuine mainstay in Los Blancos’ midfield after limited action last term, contributing three goals and seven assists across 25 appearances in all competitions.

The transformation represents vindication for Real’s decision to snub reported loan approaches from multiple clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Real Sociedad and AC Milan, over recent windows.

Alonso’s determination to retain Guler could prove decisive in any potential negotiations.

The manager has deployed him primarily as a left-sided attacking midfielder, mirroring the role Florian Wirtz occupied during Alonso’s successful spell at Leverkusen, and Real’s boss has even compared him to the Liverpool star.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair