New transfer speculation has emerged surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Crystal Palace striker, who is reportedly preparing to leave Selhurst Park to join AC Milan in Italy.
During the ongoing winter transfer window, Mateta has been widely linked with a move away from Crystal Palace. Reports suggest that the French forward is dissatisfied with his current situation at the Premier League club and is seeking a transfer to a larger, more competitive team where he can secure regular playing time.
From Juventus to AC Milan: A Shift in Plans
Initially, rumors indicated that Mateta could move to Juventus, with the Serie A giants reportedly considering him a serious target. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, plans have shifted. Rather than heading to Turin, Mateta is now closer to joining another top Italian club: AC Milan.
Sources suggest that Milan has taken the lead in the race for the French striker, outpacing Juventus due to their more proactive approach and direct negotiations over the past few days.
AC Milan Showing Serious Intent
Reports indicate that AC Milan has already been in contact with Mateta and has reached a preliminary agreement for a contract reportedly worth €3.5 million per year. In addition, the Rossoneri have promised Mateta a starting role in the first team for the remainder of the season, a key factor in the striker leaning toward Milan rather than Juventus.
Initially, Milan had planned to pursue Mateta in the summer transfer window, but the club has accelerated their plans and now aims to secure his signature this winter.
Loan Deal with Option to Buy
AC Milan reportedly intends to bring Mateta on a six-month loan, including an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. Both Milan and Crystal Palace are actively negotiating, with optimism that the transfer could be finalized in the near future.
Milan in Need of a New Striker
One of the driving forces behind AC Milan’s interest in Mateta is their urgent need for a new striker. Manager Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the current attacking options at the club, emphasizing the need for a proven goal-scorer to strengthen Milan’s title ambitions.
Allegri believes that Mateta possesses the qualities necessary to boost the Rossoneri’s attacking threat, including pace, physicality, and finishing ability. Adding the French forward to the squad could provide Milan with the firepower required to compete at the top of Serie A this season.
What This Means for Mateta and Milan
For Mateta, a move to AC Milan represents an opportunity to play for a historically successful club in one of Europe’s top leagues, while securing a guaranteed role in the starting lineup. For Milan, acquiring a striker of his caliber could revitalize their offensive options and give Allegri the tools needed to challenge for domestic and European honors.
As negotiations continue, football fans will be closely watching whether Mateta will make the switch to San Siro this winter, potentially reshaping the attacking landscape for AC Milan in the second half of the season.
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