Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta was close to ending up in Serie A in January. That possibility is still on the cards but everything could depend on Manchester United‘s Joshua Zirkzee.
Sport Witness closely covered the Frenchman’s situation in January. A deal with AC Milan was done but a knee injury emerged during the medical.
In the second half of the season, Mateta became an important player for Crystal Palace again. He scored four times between April and May, also scoring in the Conference League final.
His situation is under discussion again, with Juventus interested.
Old Lady want a striker
Today’s print edition of TuttoSport has front page coverage around Juve’s attempt to sign a new striker. They have brought in Randal Kolo Muani but Luciano Spalletti is seeking another player in this position.
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is a target. He is well-liked by sporting director Ricky Massara and is seen as an upgrade over Jonathan David.
The Canadian has fallen behind in the pecking order in Turin and is on his way out. As a result, there is confidence that a late loan move could be made for Zirkzee, with the Red Devils having expressed a desire to let him depart.
Mateta’s situation at Crystal Palace also finds mention.
While Juve have doubts over his fitness, he remains a player who is on the shortlist. There is still a chance they attempt a late move, with the Frenchman’s current deal in London running out in 2027.
Our take: Juve seeking cheap deal
Spalletti’s preferred striker option will be Kolo Muani next season and the new striker signing would be a rotation option. That is why Juve do not want to pay over the odds for that profile.
They would want to execute a loan deal with Manchester United for Zirkzee. Even for Mateta, they will try to sign the 29-year-old on a cheap deal and take advantage of his contract situation.
This will impact the plans of the two clubs, who may then need to replace them. So for now, a deal looks difficult.
