French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta AC Milan move OFF, leaving Strand Larsen deal in limbo

What next for Palace? 

Jean-Philippe Mateta had been undergoing further medical tests in London today ahead of a proposed move to Italian giants AC Milan, but that deal is now reportedly OFF. The Athletic reported on Sunday that Crystal Palace and Milan had agreed a deal worth more than €30 million for the 28-year-old striker. Mateta was not in Palace’s squad for the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with head coach Oliver Glasner saying on Friday the striker was “not in the right place to play”. However, for unknown reason at this stage (some suggest knee problems in the medical) Italian reports claim the deal is now off.

To replace the Frenchman, the Eagles had looks to turn to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, with a big money deal close to getting over the line for the Norwegian, but that now also looks in doubt. Mateta has scored eight goals in 23 Premier League games this season, but has only scored once in his last 10 games, as Mateta and Palace’s form has plummeted. Mateta has a current market value of €40m. He was signed from German club Mainz in 2022 for just €11m.

Palace currently sit 15th in the Premier League and have already sold captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City during the winter window. Earlier this month, Mateta told Crystal Palace that he wanted to leave amid interest from other Premier League and European clubs. The 28-year-old has 18 months remaining on his current deal at Selhurst Park. A late move to Juventus is still not being ruled out.