Newcastle United are thought to be considering a summer move for a Premier League striker that could be the ideal Callum Wilson should our No.9 depart. 

The 32-year-old forward was back in the goals on his first start of the season as the Toon progressed past Birmingham 3-2 to reach the FA Cup fifth-round, but is currently out of contract in the summer leading to questions around his future.

Wilson’s injury record during his time on Tyneside is one of major concern after several good season’s in black-and-white, particularly 2022/23, and the name linked with replacing him has proven his worth at Premier League level.

Palace star on Newcastle’s radar?

Newcastle United have “taken a look” at Crystal Palace forward Jean Phillipe-Mateta as a more affordable option to other potential Wilson replacements, reports Lee Ryder at The Chronicle.

The 27-year-old has proven his pedigree with 32 goals in Premier League 63 starts, and is said to be available for a fee in the region of £20m, with his contract at Selhurst Park approaching its final two years.

We may have to stave off interest should we pursue the Frenchman, however, with Chelsea and Man Utd also linked with a move for the striker.

Mateta is a strong target-man and clinical finisher, netting 16 times in the league last season and 10 already this campaign. Whether he would be willing to compete with Alexander Isak for a starting spot is another question, mind.

The Frenchman could represent a cost-effective alternative to some of Newcastle’s more high-profile striker targets, giving good value-for-money for his price tag. That said, previous business with Crystal Palace’s Steve Parish was not straightforward, as we saw with our failed Marc Guehi pursuit last summer.

Could be ideal Wilson replacement

Logically speaking, Mateta’s move to St. James’ Park would only be possible if Wilson does depart this summer, either through the expiry of his contract or if Newcastle activate the one-year extension clause in his contract and sell him on.

Both are powerful central strikers who are reliable in front of goal. However, the key difference is Mateta has proven more dependable and with fewer injury concerns than Wilson, who is five years his senior. 

Isak being the established, guaranteed starter would pose the obvious issue from Mateta’s point of view, going from a talisman at Palace to fighting for a spot in NE1. Yet, the prospect of Champions League football could be a major pull from the player’s perspective, and that applies for any target we may look to pursue this summer.