Man Utd & Arsenal Urged to Turn Striker Search to ‘Real Handful’ PreMan Utd & Arsenal Urged to Turn Striker Search to ‘Real Handful’ Premier League Attacker Amid Rival Battle for Viktor Gyokeresmier League Attacker Amid Rival Battle for Viktor Gyokeres

Paul Dickov Backs Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as Solution for Gunners and Reds

With Arsenal and Manchester United locked in a summer sprint to secure a top-class striker—led by their chase of Sporting Lisbon’s prolific Viktor Gyokeres—Paul Dickov has stepped forward with an alternative solution: Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. According to the former Manchester City forward, Mateta is exactly the kind of “real handful” No. 9 that both London and Manchester giants desperately need. Below, we unpack why Dickov believes Mateta could be the perfect fit—and whether Palace’s European fate might make the move inevitable.

What’s the Buzz? Mateta, Viktor Gyokeres & Striker Search in Focus

Dickov, speaking to BestBettingSites.com, laid out his argument clearly:

• Physical presence & box instinct: A 6’3″ powerhouse, Mateta has proven time and again he knows how to position himself, hold play up, and cause chaos in the box.

• Surprise factor: He “surprised everybody” with consistent goal returns over the last two seasons—showing he can thrive under pressure.

• European football pull: The lure of Champions League (or even Europa League) could swing decisions—especially for a player eyeing recognition on the continent’s biggest stages.

• Palace’s possible be cut-out: With multi-club ownership rules potentially blocking European involvement, Palace may be forced to sell their highest earner for financial survival.

In short, Dickov argues that Arsenal and United should take note: Mateta is available—and he ticks multiple boxes in the No. 9 shopping list.

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The Bigger Picture: Gunners & Reds Still After Viktor Gyokeres

Both Arsenal and United believe Viktor Gyokeres is their headline target, viewing him as the cornerstone of an evolving forward line. But the deal hasn’t closed—and patience may run thin in the build-up to the new season.

Dickov notes a cautionary tale:

“Everyone apart from Man City with Haaland, and Newcastle with Isak, are on the hunt for a No. 9.”

That leaves almost the entire division in pursuit of striker insurance. And while Viktor Gyokeres may remain top of their wishlist, Mateta offers a Premier League-proven, less risky alternative.

What Dickov Said: The Case for Mateta, Coutured in Praise

In his full remarks, Dickov praised Mateta’s physicality and goalscoring instinct:

“He’s a real handful… big, strong, he holds the ball up ever so well… he gets himself in the box… there’s a real danger when he gets in there.”

That danger has translated into tangible output at Selhurst Park. Despite Palace’s collective mid-table position, Mateta has consistently been one of their top scorers—demonstrating he can hit the back of the net even without a dominant team around him.

He also identified Palace’s European limbo as a pivotal factor:

“European football—or its absence—is going to have a huge effect on which players Palace can keep… Maybe, even, who will have to be sold for financial reasons.”

In essence, Mateta might not just fancy a new challenge—he might be one of the casualties of external constraints.

Did You Know? Mateta’s Rise at Selhurst Park

Since arriving in 2021, Mateta has grown steadily into Palace’s marquee forward. His seasonal stats tell the story:

• 2023–24: 11 Premier League goals in 28 starts

• 2024–25: 12 goals in 34 Premier League appearances

He’s more than a target man who knocks about in the air; Mateta has demonstrated technical skill, hold-up play, and link-up ability—qualities that make him more than a lump of presence.

Arsenal & Man Utd’s Dilemma: Ideal vs. Available

Both clubs are weighing long-term ambition against immediate need:

• Arsenal: Mikel Arteta has built a system around pressing and fluid attacks. A striker like Viktor Gyokeres could complement Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. But if that deal stalls, will Arteta trust Mateta to replicate the same style?

• Manchester United: With changes under new coaching leadership, a strong, physical strike partner could provide balance. Mateta could slot into that mold—without the transfer risk associated with high-profile moves.

Game theory comes into play: do you wait for the perfect target and risk no striker? Or pivot quickly to ensure squad continuity?

Crystal Palace at the Crossroads

For Palace, this scenario is bittersweet. Letting Mateta go—particularly at a time when goals are hard to come by—would job their offensive resurgence. But club finances and UEFA decisions threaten to force their hand.

A sale, especially to a domestic rival, seems less likely commercially—but if the price and player request align, that could prove too much to refuse.

What Next for Jean-Philippe Mateta?

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa – Emirates FA Cup Semi Final

Here’s a timeline of what might unfold:

1. UEFA ruling: If Palace are blocked due to multi-club ownership (e.g., with RB Leipzig or Red Bull influence), Mateta may become available.

2. Top clubs take the call: Arsenal and United would likely accelerate moves—with Mateta reportedly open to a change.

3. Contract negotiation: Palace may hold firm on valuation, but knockout profit could shape transfer dynamics.

4. Mateta’s choice: A move to a European powerhouse vs staying in LDN—his decision will hinge on ambition and contract security.

Final Thoughts

Mateta’s rise and Dickov’s endorsement shines a light on a fascinating subplot in Premier League shopping: sometimes the perfect fit isn’t the headline act. Should Arsenal or United falter in their Viktor Gyokeres pursuit, Mateta presents a viable, Premier League-tested alternative—with goals, power, and experience built in.

Now the ball’s in their court. Settle on one striker—or pivot to the “real handful” who’s already putting defenders on warning.