Crystal Palace are open to offers for star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of the January transfer window, with talks over a new contract reportedly stalling.
Crystal Palace Open To Mateta Offers In January
Jean-Philippe Mateta could depart Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.
The Eagles have been in talks with the Frenchman’s camp over a new contract, however little progress has been made. His current contract is due to expire at the end of next season.
While Selhurst Park chiefs are ‘desperate’ to keep hold of Mateta, they are keen to avoid a similar scenario to Marc Guehi’s playing out and would rather sell than lose him on a free transfer.
Guehi came close to joining Liverpool in the summer, but the move fell through as Palace were unable to find an adequate replacement. He is now set to leave on a free transfer next summer.
Several reports have seen Real Madrid linked with Guehi, while Liverpool have retained their interest, along with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and more.
To avoid a comparable situation arising with Mateta, they are now open to offers for the striker.
The 28-year-old has been in fine form this term, having netted seven goals in 14 Premier League appearances, following on from his 17-goal and FA Cup-winning campaign last term.
Additionally, he made his debut for France in October, for whom he has two goals in three caps.
He is also expected to be part of Didier Deschamps’ squad for next summer’s World Cup, where he will battle the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Ekitike and Randal Kolo Muani for minutes.
With a lack of consistent out-and-out strikers plaguing the sport at the moment, the Eagles won’t be short of potential suitors for the goalscoring ace during the January transfer window.
Rumours of his exit come following Oliver Glasner’s transfer plea to the Palace board. The Austrian is keen on adding to his squad after an underwhelming transfer window in the summer.
AC Milan Among Potential Mateta Suitors
Serie A giants AC Milan are reported by French media as Mateta’s most likely suitors this winter.
The Italian top-flight leaders are in the market for a new striker amid the poor form of Santiago Gimenez, who has failed to score a goal in his nine league matches this season.
Rafael Leao and ex-Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku are also listed as their striking options.
I Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri is a big fan of Mateta and is keen on securing his services as the San Siro club look to win their first Scudetto since lifting their 19th title in 2021/22.
They are set to face stiff competition for his signature though, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more all said to be monitoring his situation.
Another Serie A side in Atalanta have also been credited with interest in the in-form striker, too.
