Liverpool have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as they seek to boost their attacking options, according to reports in France.
Arne Slot’s side have already launched an impressive summer recruitment drive, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz all arriving before pre-season.
But the Reds are keen to build further on the side that coasted to the Premier League title last season, and have earmarked a striker as a position to strengthen.
Darwin Nunez joined Liverpool for an initial £64m fee from Benfica three years ago, but looks set to leave Anfield this summer after failing to secure a regular role under Slot.
Nunez made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring seven goals, but started just eight league games and has been linked with a move to Napoli.
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Diogo Jota’s tragic passing may also have altered Liverpool transfer plans, given the Portugal international was a versatile option across the front line.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have both been linked with moves to Anfield this summer, but, according to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have also turned their attention to Mateta, who scored 14 league goals last season for Palace.
The report adds that the representatives from the club have already met with Mateta and his agent in Paris to discuss a potential move.
The Frenchman, who is under contract until 2027 at Selhurst Park, was in talks with Palace over a new contract at the start of the summer.
Mateta has previously attracted interest from Manchester United, with a fee of around £40-50m believed to be enough to tempt Palace to part ways with their star striker.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have also been credited with interest in Mateta’s teammate, Marc Guehi, as they seek to add defensive cover following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Reports suggest that the Reds will table a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer of £40m for the centre-back who has entered the last 12 months of his Palace contract.
Guehi is said to not be pushing for a move this summer, but also has no intentions of signing a new deal to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the England international.
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