Milan Resumes Pursuit of Crystal Palace Striker Mateta

Recent whispers from the English football landscape have reignited speculation surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta and a potential move to AC Milan. The narrative suggests that the forward feels poised for a fresh challenge, with an impending contract expiry in 2027 amplifying the urgency of the situation.

As reported by Alfredo Pedullà, Mateta caught the attention of Atalanta last summer, who were on the hunt for a replacement for Mateo Retegui. Despite their pursuit, Crystal Palace stood firm, demanding €50 million plus add-ons around the time they lifted the Community Shield. This inflated valuation effectively sidelined Mateta from the market at that time, yet it did not secure a new contract afterward. Clubs eyeing the Frenchman will undoubtedly need to dig deep into their financial reserves.

Furthermore, sources including Matteo Moretto (via Tribuna) indicate that Milan explored Mateta's availability in the previous transfer window, but negotiations faltered due to the Eagles' steep demands. The Rossoneri are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that Mateta's reluctance to extend his stay in London may turn the tide in their favor. However, bargaining with Crystal Palace is likely to be a challenging endeavor.

Currently, the 28-year-old is enjoying a solid season, notching 7 goals in 13 Premier League appearances. Having established himself in England in 2022 after impactful stints at Mainz and Olympique Lyonnais, Mateta boasts an impressive tally of 55 goals and 13 assists across 174 matches, demonstrating his consistency and attacking prowess.

Our Take on Milan and Mateta

In the intricate dance of transfer dealings, Mateta represents an appealing middle ground; he offers the blend of proven talent and experience that Milan seeks, without the uncertainties often associated with untested young prospects. That said, his hefty price tag—despite his contractual predicament—could pose a significant hurdle, especially given that the club has already made considerable outlays during the summer transfer market. Milan’s efforts in January may very well be contingent on successfully offloading Santiago Gimenez or leveraging his value as a bargaining chip in negotiations.