Why Arsenal slayer would be the PERFECT signing for Liverpool

Liverpool are looking for a striker this summer, that is no secret.

With Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both set for summer moves away from Anfield, the Reds may end up needing to bring in two no. 9s before next season.

READ MORE: Liverpool now in talks to FINALLY land 23-goal striker

A number of players have been linked with a big money move to become Arne Slot’s main man through the middle, but it seems unlikely that Liverpool will splash out on two top-level big money strikers in the same window.

One solution to this issue is staring the Reds right in the face. In fact, he moved them within one point of the Premier League title on Wednesday night.

Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Liverpool should move for Mateta

If Slot’s side do end up spending upwards of £75 million on a marquee new striker in the summer, as is heavily rumoured, Crystal Palace’s Mateta could represent the perfect option to come in and provide competition for the new main man up top.

The Frenchman will be 28 by the time next season kicks off, which isn’t Liverpool’s usual target age for signings, but he has proved a worthy addition over the past two seasons.

READ MORE: Liverpool star now on brink of transfer U-TURN

In his last two campaigns for Palace, Mateta has scored 36 goals and provided nine assists in 79 appearances – averaging a goal involvement every 122 minutes.

Football Transfers estimate Mateta’s transfer value to be €31.7 million (£27m) but it will reportedly take a fee of £40m to convince the Eagles to sell.

Oliver Glasner’s side triggered an extension in the striker’s contract earlier this season, meaning he will have two years remaining on his deal heading into next season.

Mateta is the perfect back up

The Frenchman won Sky Sports’ Man of the Match award for his brief cameo against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Despite only being subbed on in the 80th minute, Mateta was able to bring Palace level with an outstanding finish, showing exactly what he would be capable of coming off the bench for Liverpool next season.

Mateta has outscored every Liverpool player this season, bar Mohamed Salah, in the Premier League and in all competitions.

Liverpool are reportedly demanding upwards of £40 million for all three of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, who are all expected to leave Anfield this summer, so Mateta could effectively be paid for by one of the Reds’ outgoings.

READ MORE: The THREE players Liverpool will sign instead of Alexander Isak

Arne Slot’s need for two new strikers could prove problematic this summer, but the draw of the soon-to-be Premier League champions could attract Mateta - who could be the perfect backup for the Reds.