AC Milan have lodged an official offer to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with personal terms already agreed, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.
The Eagles have endured a turbulent January after suffering a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Macclesfield, before skipper Marc Guehi left the club to join Manchester City. Manager Oliver Glasner has also confirmed he will depart at the end of the campaign when his contract runs out.
The south London side were further unsettled when it emerged that leading scorer Mateta had requested a move away this month, and clubs have now begun to formalise their interest with firm proposals.
Crystal Palace Reject AC Milan Bid for Mateta:
Mateta, who has been labelled as ‘elite’, has become a leading target for multiple clubs during the window after making it clear he wants to leave Selhurst Park, with several sides holding discussions.
After Serie A heavyweights Juventus hesitated over Palace’s valuation, Premier League outfit Aston Villa appeared well placed to secure his signature as they searched for attacking reinforcements. However, their agreement to bring Tammy Abraham back to the club has left Mateta without a clear destination.
It has now come to light that 19-time Italian champions AC Milan have submitted a formal bid for the France international, which Palace have turned down as it fell short of their asking price. The report adds that Milan and Mateta have already settled on personal terms should the two clubs reach an agreement.
Palace are not opposed to cashing in on Mateta, but with his contract running until 2027, they are determined to secure maximum value for one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers over the past two seasons.
Crystal Palace Eyeing Mateta Replacements:
While there is no immediate pressure to sell Mateta this month, the club are also not ruling out an exit. Glasner has insisted no deal is close and confirmed the striker will feature against Chelsea on Sunday, but recruitment plans are progressing behind the scenes to bolster the attacking department.
Wolves forward Jorgen Strand-Larsen has been identified as a possible option, although competition for his signature is strong, while Palace are also pressing ahead with a move for young prospect Sidiki Cherif.
Unless their valuation is met, Mateta will remain at the club, but this is a situation worth monitoring as the transfer window enters its final stages.