Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future at Crystal Palace, or otherwise, has been the subject of a few rumours in recent weeks.
The Frenchman’s contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2027, and a renewal doesn’t appear imminent.
Last week, he was suggested as a potential target for AC Milan, who want to sign a new striker in the summer. Journalist Carlo Pellegatti said that Mateta should be considered as a target by the Rossoneri.
As talk around the player grows, ex-Crystal Palace player Glenn Murray has spoken about the France international.
In a chat with MilanNews, the 42-year-old warned Mateta about leaving the Eagles for bigger clubs.
He said: “Every footballer dreams of playing for a European team, it doesn’t matter if Milan isn’t at the top right now. Would that be the right thing for him now?
“Palace play in Europe, he’s the key number nine in a team that makes him play at his best. There is every reason to be happy where he is. Sometimes you think you can do better and things go wrong.”
Murray stated that while playing for Milan would be huge for Mateta, there is no guarantee of success at the San Siro.
“Being AC Milan’s number nine is a huge draw. To succeed at the Rossoneri and bring the club back to its former glory would be romantic. But as they say: ‘always be careful what you wish for’ and right now he’s a happy man at Crystal Palace.”
Mateta has six Premier League goals this season. In the 2024/25 campaign, he found the back of the net 14 times.
He is clearly enjoying life at Crystal Palace, thriving mainly due to Oliver Glasner’s system. Before that, success wasn’t always the case.
Milan haven’t seen too many strikers thrive in the last ten years. Taking it as a challenge would signal ambition but there is always a chance it could fail.
