Alious**Crystal Palace Boss Oliver Glasner Urges Club to Secure Long-Term Future of Star Striker Amid Growing Transfer Interest**
Crystal Palace manager **Oliver Glasner** is reportedly pushing the club’s hierarchy to offer a new long-term contract to one of the team’s standout performers, as interest from top European clubs continues to grow ahead of the summer transfer window.
### **Palace Progress in the FA Cup**
On the pitch, the Eagles booked their place in the **fifth round of the FA Cup** with a solid **2-0 victory** over League Two side **Doncaster Rovers** on Monday night. Goals from **Daniel Muñoz** and **Justin Devenny**, netted on either side of halftime, sealed the win and set up an enticing London derby clash against **Millwall**.
Reflecting on the upcoming FA Cup showdown, Glasner expressed his excitement:
> *“I could feel the excitement in the dressing room. It makes this game even bigger than it is. As long as you are in the competition, you can win it. We will go for it—definitely.”*
Palace last faced Millwall in the **2022 FA Cup**, edging a 2-1 victory, but Glasner insists this tie feels *”even more special,”* as the Eagles eye a deeper run in the tournament.
### **Glasner Keen to Lock Down Jean-Philippe Mateta**
Off the pitch, attention has shifted towards contract negotiations with **Jean-Philippe Mateta**, Palace’s in-form striker. According to **Football Insider**, Glasner is eager for the club to secure the 27-year-old’s long-term future at **Selhurst Park**, amid mounting interest from European heavyweights like **Barcelona**, **Atletico Madrid**, and **Manchester United**.
Mateta initially joined Palace on loan from **Mainz 05** in 2021 before making the move permanent in 2022. Although he’s currently under contract until **2027**, with the Eagles having recently triggered a one-year extension clause, Glasner is pushing for an even longer deal to fend off potential suitors in the summer.
Glasner, who has described Mateta as *“amazing in the box,”* views the French forward as a key part of his future plans. Mateta has been in impressive form, having scored **10 goals in 24 Premier League appearances** this season. His consistency in front of goal has naturally drawn the attention of top clubs across Europe.
### **Transfer Interest Growing as Price Tag Emerges**
Mateta’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with several elite clubs monitoring his situation. **Barcelona** and **Atletico Madrid** are reportedly considering summer moves, while **Manchester United** are also believed to be tracking him as part of their search for attacking reinforcements.
The striker’s goal-scoring prowess was even more evident last season, when he netted **16 goals in 35 league matches**, solidifying his status as a crucial figure in Palace’s attack. Despite having two years left on his current deal, Palace are wary of letting contract talks drag on, which could fuel transfer speculation as the window approaches.
Reports suggest that Palace have slapped a **£50 million price tag** on Mateta, signaling their intent to keep hold of him unless an irresistible offer comes in. However, the club’s priority remains securing his commitment with a new long-term contract, ensuring they retain one of their most valuable assets.
### **What’s Next for Palace?**
While contract talks are expected to progress behind the scenes, Palace’s immediate focus will be on their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Millwall and their continued push for a strong Premier League finish.
For Glasner, locking down Mateta’s future is just as important as winning matches. The Eagles’ manager is determined to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level—and keeping their “amazing” striker at Selhurst Park is central to that vision.
Alious
