MILAN CONSIDERING MOVE FOR CRYSTAL PALACE’S JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA

🟥 1. Player Profile & Recent Performance at Crystal Palace

Jean‑Philippe Mateta, born June 28, 1997, is a 1.92 m tall French striker (seventh appearance in France U19, U21, and Olympic squads) who has become integral to Crystal Palace since his loan move in 2021 and permanent transfer in 2022. As of May 2025, he had amassed 116 appearances and 36 goals for Palace in all competitions including 17 goals and 4 assists in their FA Cup‑winning 2024–25 campaign The Standard+15Wikipedia+15The Sun+15.

Under Oliver Glasner’s management, Mateta enjoyed his most prolific season yet, producing 14 Premier League goals in 35 matches, with overall contributions peaking at 17 goals in 46 outings across all competitions. His physical, hold-up play, and finishing ability have garnered praise, and he helped Palace clinch their first major silverware—the FA Cup Tribuna.com+2TEAMtalk+2TEAMtalk+2.

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2. AC Milan’s Strategic Rebuild & Emerging Interest in Mateta

🎯 Milan’s Offensive Revamp

AC Milan are undertaking a significant rebuild of their attacking department. The club’s aim is to add a different type of striker to complement Santiago Giménez’s style, offering variety, physicality, and goal threat SempreMilan. With financial constraints and mixed fortunes in Serie A and European qualification hopes, Milan have drawn up a shortlist of potential additions including Victor Boniface and Mateta The Sun+15Football Today+15OneFootball+15.

🔍 Concrete Steps Taken

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports Milan have made concrete moves—contacting Mateta’s representatives and placing him as a “top priority” among newly added targets The Peoples Person+4SempreMilan+4Football Today+4. The striker is reportedly “very keen” to join Milan, and his entourage is applying pressure on Crystal Palace to allow negotiations The Transfer Tavern+2SempreMilan+2The Sun+2.

Valuations have ranged from around €35 million (£29–30m) to closer to £50 million depending on the outlet. While Milan’s budget is limited, there is around €40–50 million allocated for a forward addition The Sun+15SempreMilan+15The Peoples Person+15.

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3. Broader Market Context & Competition for Mateta

🌍 Other Clubs in the Hunt

Mateta’s form attracted interest from a host of clubs across Europe earlier this summer. Among them are Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Inter Milan OneFootball+7Tribuna.com+7TEAMtalk+7.

Inter and Juventus have joined Milan in serious pursuit. Italian clubs value his Premier League-honed profile—physical, hardworking, experienced—and see him as a reliable, cost-efficient signing compared to marquee names like Victor Osimhen or Vlahović The Sun.

⚽ Manchester United Link

Manchester United have reportedly included Mateta in their shortlist to reinforce their underperforming strikeforce. While they originally preferred targets like Liam Delap or Victor Osimhen, Mateta emerged as a pragmatic alternative if financial constraints bite. There have been no confirmed bids yet, but scouts have reportedly watched him closely, and Palace’s reported asking price—up to £50m—could either deter or attract depending on how disciplined United’s recruitment remains The Peoples Person+1The Peoples Person+1.

🔄 French & Middle East Interest

Lyon’s owner John Textor reportedly favoured a move to his other club but faced internal resistance. Any such move would involve overcoming Palace’s valuation of at least £50m, plus potential Champions League demands from Lyon, which Palace may not accept unless matched by European credentials The Sun+1The Sun+1.

Separately, Al‑Hilal from Saudi Arabia have listed Mateta among their shortlist for attacking reinforcements, alongside Benjamin Sesko and Moise Kean. Yet their interest hinges on larger signings first, making Mateta a potential Plan B The Sun.

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4. Crystal Palace Outlook: Valuation, Contract & Replacement Planning

🔐 Club Valuation & Contract Status

Crystal Palace reportedly value Mateta between €35m (~£30m) and £50m, depending on negotiation leverage and interested parties. He is contracted until summer 2027 (per one report) or 2026 per others, giving Palace moderate bargaining power. However, they are reportedly bracing for key departures this summer and are exploring replacements already OneFootball+9The Peoples Person+9TEAMtalk+9.

📌 Potential Replacements

Palace are scouring the market for forward options in anticipation. Though nothing is confirmed publicly, other forwards have entered their radar including potential Bundesliga or Ligue 1 options. Sources mention they are also evaluating wing-backs and centre-back replacements in case of multiple departures like Guehi and Eze .

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5. Why Mateta Appeals to Milan Specifically

🧰 Unique Attributes

Mateta brings a blend of physical presence, aerial threat, hold-up play, and improved finishing. His ability to complement a faster, more technical striker (like Giménez) is seen as a tactical advantage .

At 27, he is entering his prime, with maturity and Premier League experience. Milan consider his profile a contrast to European youth projects, offering immediate contribution without breaking the bank TEAMtalk.

🇫🇷 Personal Ambition

Mateta is aiming to break into France’s squad for the 2026 World Cup; playing in a club competing in European competition like Milan may boost his profile. Reports say Mateta’s camp is advocating for a move to a “more prestigious club” and sees the San Siro under Allegri as the ideal next step .

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6. Timeline of Developments

• April–May 2025: TEAMtalk and other outlets report Mateta’s growing interest among Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Inter, Juventus and Milan. Crystal Palace valuation quoted at €35m (~£29m) Tribuna.com.
• Early June: Marseille also offered opportunity to sign Mateta, though finances could restrict deal Football Today. Meanwhile, Palace have not received bids but scout replacements .
• June–July: Reports emerge AC Milan have made Mateta a top target. Tavolieri declares contact made, listing him as priority. Mateta reportedly “very keen” on move and camp applying pressure Football Today+2SempreMilan+2OneFootball+2.
• Mid-July: The Peoples Person reports that Palace’s asking price (over €30m) may deter Milan’s limited budget, but Manchester United remain potential suitors with appetite for that range The Peoples Person.

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7. Analysis of Motivations & Deal Feasibility

🔎 AC Milan’s Fit

• Financial Pragmatism: Milan prefer cost‑efficient targets. Mateta fits within their €40–50m budget panel versus pricier names.
• Positional Need: Their attack lacks physical presence despite technical options; Mateta offers a different dimension.
• Player Openness: Mateta’s keenness on Serie A move is a strong nod in Milan’s favour.

🏟️ Crystal Palace Strategy

• Sell‑High Strategy: Palace are likely to push for maximum fee given Mateta’s form and contract duration.
• Replacement Readiness: The club is scouting options, giving them leverage in negotiations.
• Multiple Departures Possible: With interest also in Guehi and Eze, Palace may accelerate crowd-funded adjustments this window.

⚔️ Competition from Others

• Manchester United: Financial capacity and Premier League familiarity positions them as serious bidders—though only if they free up funds.
• Inter and Juventus: Both Serie A rivals could pursue Mateta, with Inter already planning striker overhaul.
• Lyon / Al-Hilal: Lyon have internal ownership conflicts; Al-Hilal’s interest might depend on other moves closing first.

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8. Potential Scenarios Going Forward

✅ Scenario A: AC Milan Offer & Negotiations

Milan submit an opening offer between €30–35m. If Palace push for closer to €45–50m, negotiations hinge on player leverage and Camp pressure—Mateta pushing may influence tag here The Peoples Person+1The Transfer Tavern+1.

✅ Scenario B: Manchester United Steps In

If Milan stall or cannot meet valuation, United might swoop with competitive bid. Their Premier League draw, financial muscle, and need for a striker create favourable conditions—though only viable if they deliver CL football soon or make strategic room.

✅ Scenario C: Multi‑Bid Auction

Palace generate a bidding war—Milan, United, and perhaps Juventus or Inter make offers. The highest bidder wins Mateta’s signature. This dynamic might push his fee upward towards the £45–50m mark.

✅ Scenario D: Palace Hold Firm

If bids remain too low or replacements aren’t suitable, Palace may elect to retain Mateta for another season—especially if European competition proceeds and another strong run increases his resale value or contract leverage.

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9. Implications for All Parties

📌 For Mateta

• Joining Milan could elevate his European exposure and international prospects.
• Staying at Palace may guarantee regular football and European competition with potential wage increase or improved contract.

🏰 For Crystal Palace

• A high-value sale funds squad reinvestment and offers financial stability in light of possible multiple exits.
• Losing a focal striker might require tactical adjustment or expensive recruitment.

✍️ For Milan

• Signing Mateta offers an affordable alternative to marquee names, balancing experience and adaptability.
• His presence could support their rebuild under Allegri and enhance attacking depth.

⚽ For Manchester United

• A move could fulfill need for Premier League-proven striker at reasonable cost. But only if Milan deal stalls and United prioritize Mateta over other targets.

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🔚 Conclusion

• AC Milan are seriously exploring a move for Jean‑Philippe Mateta, naming him a top priority and having made contact with representatives. Mateta is reportedly “very keen” to join and Palace are under pressure to open sale talks SempreMilan.
• Multiple clubs—including Manchester United, Inter, Juventus, Nottingham Forest, and others—have interest, making this a highly competitive transfer scenario OneFootball+7Tribuna.com+7TEAMtalk+7.
• Crystal Palace’s valuation ranges from €35m to £50m, and they’re scouting replacements, giving them robust leverage in negotiations .
• Likely outcome pathways include Milan advancing with a strong bid, a competing offer from Manchester United, or bidding escalating in a club auction. Palace may hold firm if no offer meets expectations.

All signs point to this being one of the most closely watched striker sagas of summer 2025—where ambition, contract leverage, financial planning, and tactical fit intersect across three major leagues.