Crystal Palace‘s Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to leave the Premier League side after this season.
The France international had come close to joining AC Milan in the winter market, after agreeing a deal. However, the move didn’t go through as the Serie A side were concerned about his knee.
Milan sporting director Igli Tare confirmed the deal collapsed after his side detected issues during the medical.
The Crystal Palace star decided against going under the knife and opted for conservative treatment. He’s already regained full fitness and returned to the pitch in March.
Last month, Mateta’s agent Paul Latouche was at the San Siro to watch Milan’s goalless draw against Juventus. He posted a picture of himself online, sparking rumours of interest from these two clubs.
Interest in Crystal Palace man rekindled
TuttoMercatoWeb now pick up on that and report the agent’s trip to Italy has ‘effectively revived’ AC Milan’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Rossoneri’s initially idea was to agree a deal in January, for the Crystal Palace man to arrive in the summer.
Milan changed their plan and tried to sign him in the last window, but the deal didn’t go through.
Mateta will finish the season at Selhurst Park and will have a year left on his contract.
The 28-year-old still maintains the desire to leave the Eagles. The Italian club can take advantage of this as TMW state they could rekindle their interest to secure his services. There’s confidence the frontman’s signing can be concluded for less than €25m.
Changes impacting summer deal?
The San Siro club have a clear path to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the potential deal won’t be simple.
Milan are third in the table, two points ahead of sixth placed Juventus. With one game to go, four teams will be fighting for two Champions League spots. If the Rossoneri fail to qualify, their CEO, Giorgio Furlani, is likely to leave.
The ‘management chaos is a factor’, meaning the possible changes to Milan’s structure could impact the Crystal Palace man.
He managed 14 goals and three assists from 48 matches and Transfermarkt value him at €35m.
