Fresh speculation has emerged surrounding the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Crystal Palace striker now strongly linked with a move to AC Milan. The French forward is reportedly preparing to leave Selhurst Park during the winter transfer window as he looks for a new challenge at a bigger European club.
Mateta has been at the center of transfer rumors throughout the January window. Sources close to the player suggest he has grown increasingly uncomfortable with Crystal Palace’s current situation and believes the time is right to test himself at a higher level. With Palace struggling for consistency, the striker is eager to compete for trophies and play on a bigger stage.
Earlier in the transfer window, Mateta was heavily linked with Juventus. The Serie A giants were said to be monitoring his situation closely and even held preliminary talks regarding a potential deal. However, according to trusted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the situation has now taken a decisive turn.
Instead of moving to Turin, Mateta is now closer to joining AC Milan, who have emerged as the most serious contenders for his signature.
AC Milan Show Greater Commitment Than Juventus
Romano reports that AC Milan have overtaken Juventus in the race for Mateta due to their more concrete and aggressive approach. While Juventus maintained interest, Milan moved quickly and decisively, opening direct communication with both the player and his representatives over the past few days.
The Rossoneri are believed to have already agreed personal terms with Mateta. The proposed contract is reportedly worth around €3.5 million per season, a significant upgrade on his current deal at Crystal Palace. More importantly, Milan have offered Mateta a clear sporting project that places him at the heart of their attacking plans.
Unlike Juventus, who could only promise rotation minutes due to competition in their forward line, Milan have reportedly assured Mateta of a leading role for the remainder of the season. That promise has played a crucial role in shifting the striker’s preference toward San Siro.
Negotiations Enter a Crucial Phase
Initially, AC Milan were planning to pursue Mateta in the summer transfer window. However, developments in recent weeks have forced the club to accelerate their plans. With the need for immediate attacking reinforcement becoming increasingly urgent, Milan are now pushing to complete the deal before the winter window closes.
The current proposal involves a six-month loan deal from Crystal Palace, with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season. This structure allows Milan to assess Mateta’s impact while giving Palace financial flexibility.
Negotiations between the two clubs are said to be ongoing and positive. Both sides are optimistic that an agreement can be reached soon, with only final details remaining to be resolved. If talks continue at the current pace, Mateta could be unveiled as a Milan player in the coming days.
Why Milan Need a New Striker
AC Milan’s pursuit of Mateta is not without reason. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly dissatisfied with the current options available in the attacking department. While Milan possess talented forwards, inconsistency in front of goal has hampered their ability to compete at the very top of Serie A.
Allegri believes the team needs a more physical and reliable presence in the box—someone capable of converting half-chances and leading the line with authority. Mateta fits that profile perfectly. Standing tall with strong hold-up play and proven finishing ability, the Frenchman offers qualities Milan have lacked this season.
The Rossoneri are determined to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions, and signing a striker during the winter window is viewed as essential rather than optional.
A New Chapter for Mateta
For Mateta, a move to AC Milan would represent a major step forward in his career. After several seasons in the Premier League, the opportunity to play in Serie A under a high-profile coach and in front of passionate supporters is highly appealing.
At 27 years old, Mateta is entering his prime years. Joining Milan would give him the chance to compete for silverware, increase his profile on the European stage, and potentially earn further international recognition.
While Crystal Palace may be reluctant to lose a key attacker mid-season, the player’s desire for a move and Milan’s concrete offer could prove decisive. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this transfer is finalized.
One thing is clear: the domino effect in the transfer market is already in motion, and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future now appears to be heading toward San Siro rather than Turin.
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