According to the latest report fromLa Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan hope to reach an agreement in advance with Crystal Palace over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s transfer and have him join in the summer window.
Milan have entered the race for the Crystal Palace striker, who is attracting interest from several European clubs. However, Milan do not intend to sign him immediately, as they already have five forwards in their squad.
The club’s plan is to prepare for next season, when they aim to return to the Champions League. Milan are determined to outpace rivals in the race for Mateta—particularly Nottingham Forest, who are seeking a starting striker, and Juventus, who have also shown interest.
Milan’s management wants to proactively address the need for a prolific central striker. Mateta has scored double-digit goals in each of the last two Premier League seasons (16 goals in 2023/24 and 14 in 2024/25), and has already netted 8 league goals this campaign.
Mateta is eager to take on a new challenge abroad. After playing in France (Lyon and Le Havre), Germany (Mainz), and England (Crystal Palace), he now hopes to prove himself in Serie A. Milan represent his dream club—a team capable of competing for and winning trophies.
His transfer fee is substantial: currently valued at around €35 million plus add-ons, possibly higher, as Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to offer £35 million (approximately €40 million). Crystal Palace are open to honoring the player’s wishes and allowing him to leave—but not right away.
Palace’s management had recently pursued Jürgen Larsen and appeared willing to meet Wolves’ €50 million asking price, but that deal suddenly stalled yesterday due to unforeseen obstacles. As a result, Palace have decided to keep Mateta until the end of the current season.
Milan hope to finalize a pre-contract agreement now and have him officially join in July. In fact, Fulani and Tare aim to secure his signature for approximately €30 million (including bonuses) while allowing him to remain in London for another five months—a move that could yield a discount.
Mateta’s contract expires in June 2027. If he were to leave immediately, Crystal Palace would hold stronger negotiating leverage. But by July, with only one year remaining on his deal, that leverage would diminish significantly. Thus, reaching an early agreement with Milan and letting Mateta stay until the season’s end would also be beneficial for Crystal Palace.