Crystal Palace Face Striker Crisis as Mateta Demands Immediate AC Milan Move
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has informed the club's hierarchy he wants to join AC Milan "immediately", creating a dramatic deadline day situation for the South London side.
The French international, who is Palace's top scorer this season with eight Premier League goals, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Italian giants worth £3 million per year in net salary. This development comes despite initial suggestions that any move would be postponed until the summer of 2026.
January Transfer Window Turmoil at Selhurst Park
This revelation caps off what has been a turbulent month for Crystal Palace, who have already seen significant changes to their squad:
- Club captain Marc Guehi completed a £29 million move to Manchester City earlier in the window
- Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he will not be extending his contract beyond this season
- The club secured the loan signing of forward Evann Guessand from Aston Villa with a £28 million option to buy
Guessand's arrival, which chairman Steve Parish described as bringing "an exciting talent who we are confident will flourish on the South London stage," now appears particularly timely given Mateta's desire to depart.
Forest Bid Rejected as Milan Move Accelerates
The situation has developed rapidly after Crystal Palace rejected a £35 million bid from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest earlier this month. While Forest remained interested, AC Milan emerged as serious contenders for Mateta's signature.
Romano's social media update confirmed the striker's determination to force through a move, stating: "Jean Philippe Mateta has informed Crystal Palace board about his decision to join AC Milan. He wants AC Milan now, immediately even if initial agreement was for June 2026."
Manager Confirms Striker's Absence Amid Transfer Speculation
The transfer speculation has already impacted Palace's immediate plans, with Glasner confirming Mateta will not feature in Sunday's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.
"It is nothing to do right now with the transfers. He is not in the [right] place," Glasner explained. "To play makes no sense. We have to protect the team and I have to protect him. That is why he will not travel with us to Nottingham."
The manager further elaborated on the challenging environment created by transfer speculation, noting: "Again, there is so much noise, so much speculation, so many things going on. We need every single player at their best and JP [Mateta] isn't at his best right now with all the noise that happens."
With the transfer deadline approaching, Crystal Palace now face the difficult decision of whether to sanction their top scorer's immediate departure or attempt to retain him until the summer, all while managing squad morale and their Premier League campaign.
