Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has tipped Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for a big move, suggesting Manchester United could be the perfect fit due to their lack of a traditional No. 9. Despite United netting 19 goals in the Premier League, just five fewer than leaders Arsenal, Benjamin Sesko has only found the back of the net twice.

Despite recent victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, they’ve also suffered setbacks with draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, and a loss to Everton on Monday. Ruben Amorim’s squad continues to grapple with inconsistency, while summer recruit Sesko is still struggling to hit his stride following his £73million switch from RB Leipzig. Sagna reckons Mateta could be the solution to their attacking woes.

“It would make sense if Jean-Philippe Mateta went to Manchester United,” he shared with Oddspedia. “They don’t really have a No 9 who is tall, can hold the ball and can get on the end of crosses.

“It could be difficult for him as a new player coming into a club where there are a lot of new players and transferring his skills across from Crystal Palace, but a move to Old Trafford would be good for him and the club.”

Sagna added: “It will be difficult for Palace to keep hold of him, and it’s the right moment for him to move if he wants the test of playing for one of the biggest teams in the Premier League.

“He’s not a young player anymore and it might be one of the last moves of his career, so he will probably push for it if the opportunity arises.” Mateta has proved prolific for Crystal Palace in recent seasons and his extensive Premier League know-how could prove invaluable at Old Trafford, should a transfer materialise following their summer interest.

The 28-year-old’s deal at Selhurst Park runs until the summer of 2027.