Wayne Rooney believes Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a good fit for Arsenal’s move to more aerial play and set-pieces.

Mateta, 27, has been a standout at Crystal Palace since Oliver Glasner took over from Roy Hodgson in February 2024

and has continued his fine form this season, scoring 12 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 campaign.

Arsenal are set to enter the summer transfer market in search of a new striker after the scars of their lack of a natural centre-forward became apparent.

However, Rooney says the Gunners should consider Mateta as he would excel in the air under Mikel Arteta.

“Jean-Philippe Mateta is a big, strong lad who scores goals,” Rooney told เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา Sport over the weekend.

‘It was the threat in the final 25 metres to make something happen. They didn’t want to play. You come here and you want to win the game. Today, it is frustration.’

Pressed on his team’s struggles in the final third, Arteta added: ‘Sometimes that is what is missing. The execution has to be in to the right player and the right player to shoot.

‘How we conceded [chances] in certain moments was not acceptable. They have so much quality and they pick the right player and normally that would end in a goal.

“From watching Arsenal in the last few Premier League games, They often cross the ball into the penalty area but nobody can do anything. I am sure he will help the team in this regard.”