Journalist: Serie A giants launch £35m bid to sign Crystal Palace star | OneFootball

AC Milan table £35m bid for Jean Philippe Mateta as Palace weigh options

Crystal Palace find themselves in the middle of a high stakes transfer conversation after Sky Sports revealed that AC Milan have submitted a £35m offer for striker Jean Philippe Mateta. The report from Sky Sports News, via Rob Dorsett, James Savundra and Gianluca Di Marzio, outlines a complex scenario that could accelerate quickly as the January deadline approaches.

According to Sky Sports, “AC Milan’s offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe Mateta is a £35m permanent deal in the summer.” That figure alone underlines how highly Mateta is rated in Italy after a run of form that has elevated his reputation beyond Selhurst Park. Milan, however, are keen to push matters forward, with the report adding, “If Milan can sell or loan out Christopher Nkunku, they will try to bring the deal forward to this month by agreeing an initial loan before a £35m obligation in the summer.”

For Palace, this is not simply about cashing in. Mateta has been a focal point of their attack, and any mid season exit would require careful planning. Sky Sports note that “Palace are discussing it and as Sky Sports News reported yesterday Nottingham Forest’s bid for Mateta also remains on the table.” Forest, like Milan, are willing to meet that £35m valuation, but timing could be crucial.

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Transfer race intensifies ahead of Deadline Day

Forest’s interest adds another layer of intrigue. The Midlands club have their own schedule to consider, with Sky Sports explaining, “They are also thought to be prepared to pay £35m but Forest do not expect an answer until after they play each other on Sunday, most likely on Deadline Day on Monday.” A head to head meeting followed by a decision at the wire is a scenario that fits perfectly into the drama of the transfer window.

From Palace’s perspective, leverage is on their side. Two clubs are willing to meet the valuation, which gives the Eagles the freedom to hold out for conditions that suit them. However, Sky Sports also stress that “Palace also want to get a replacement before allowing Mateta can leave.” That caveat changes everything, because selling without a proven striker lined up would risk undoing their season.

Evann Guessand has arrived, but the Sky Sports report is clear that “Evann Guessand is coming in on loan from Aston Villa but he is more of a winger.” That means Palace still lack a direct replacement for Mateta’s physical presence and goals.

Palace recruitment plans under scrutiny

Attention therefore turns to Jorgen Strand Larsen. Sky Sports say, “Palace’s proposed deal for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen hangs in the balance with four days to go, with Leeds also still at the table for the Norwegian.” That tug of war makes Palace’s decision on Mateta even more delicate. Without Larsen secured, letting Mateta go would feel like a gamble.

From a broader perspective, Milan’s interest is a nod to how far Mateta has come. A £35m valuation places him firmly in the upper tier of forwards operating outside the established elite. It also reflects a wider trend of Serie A clubs looking to the Premier League for ready made quality.

Strategic stakes for all parties

This situation leaves all sides walking a tightrope. Milan want to move quickly, Forest are waiting for their moment, and Palace are juggling ambition with pragmatism. One source close to the negotiations could reasonably say, “£35m is a strong price, but Palace know replacing a striker in January carries its own cost.” That sums up the dilemma perfectly.

Sky Sports deserve credit for bringing clarity to a story that is evolving by the hour. Their detailed reporting has shown not only who wants Mateta, but also the dominoes that must fall before any deal is done.

As Deadline Day approaches, Palace supporters and neutrals alike will be watching closely. Whether Mateta stays or goes, this episode highlights how modern transfer windows are shaped by timing, leverage and the ever present need to plan two moves ahead.

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As a Crystal Palace supporter, this report makes for uneasy reading. On one hand, £35m for Jean Philippe Mateta sounds like serious money. On the other, watching your main striker linked so strongly with both AC Milan and Nottingham Forest in the final days of the window sets alarm bells ringing. The Sky Sports line that “Palace also want to get a replacement before allowing Mateta can leave” feels reassuring, but it also hints at how fragile this situation really is.

Evann Guessand being described as “more of a winger” does not calm anyone’s nerves. Palace have struggled for goals at times, and losing Mateta without a like for like centre forward could turn tight 1-0 defeats into something far worse. The Jorgen Strand Larsen deal “hangs in the balance,” and that phrase sums up the whole mood around the club right now.

From a fan’s point of view, you want ambition matched with caution. £35m could help the club grow, but survival and stability come first. If Palace get this wrong, it could define their season in the worst way.