Crystal Palace and Chelsea to go head-to-head for Strasbourg star Emanuel Emegha as Eagles seek Jean-Philippe Mateta replacement but face uphill battle due to Clearlake ownership of French club

Crystal Palace are reportedly expecting the departure of Mateta this summer as the French striker is said to be looking to play Champions League football. The 27-year-old striker has been in fine form over the last two seasons, as he has scored 36 goals for the Eagles in all competitions during the period.

The Sun has now reported that Crystal Palace are considering Strasbourg striker Emegha as the perfect replacement for Mateta, considering he will leave the club this summer. The 22-year-old striker has scored 14 Ligue 1 goals this campaign, a feat that is only bettered by Ousmane Dembele, Mason Greenwood, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Jonathan David.

Unfortunately for Crystal Palace, Chelsea are also said to be interested in signing Emegha this summer. The Blues will definitely have the upper hand in the transfer battle as Strasbourg are owned by Clearlake Capital, who also own Chelsea, making the negotiations between the two sides very easy to undertake.

Strasbourg are currently fighting for a spot in the Champions League qualifier for next season as they sit level on points with Nice and Lille in the fight for a fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1. They will be in action next when they take on Le Havre on May 17.