Report: Serie A giants join the race to sign Crystal Palace star | OneFootball

Palace Star’s Serie A Interest Raises Contract Concerns

Crystal Palace appear to be approaching another delicate contract crossroads, following fresh claims from TalkSport that their leading striker is beginning to explore a future away from Selhurst Park. The report states plainly, “Jean-Philippe Mateta is interested in a move to Serie A, talkSPORT understands,” placing renewed focus on a player who has been central to Palace’s resurgence over the past 18 months.

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The forward’s importance was reinforced last season when he “was part of their FA Cup winning-side,” underlining his growing reputation both domestically and abroad. Yet despite that success, uncertainty surrounds his long-term commitment. “His current deal expires in the summer of 2027 and he is yet to agree new terms at Selhurst Park,” leaving Palace navigating an increasingly familiar dilemma, progression on the pitch versus stability off it.

Contract Timeline Shapes Palace Strategy

The timeline is crucial. “Mateta is set to assess his options once the 2026 World Cup has concluded next summer,” a period which could heighten his market value significantly. With international involvement increasingly likely, given that “he could be part of the France squad for the tournament having scored two goals in his first three appearances this year,” Palace’s leverage may narrow the longer negotiations drift.

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Interest from Italy adds further intrigue. “Amid his uncertain future at Palace, it’s understood that Mateta would be keen on moving to the Italian top flight,” with “AC Milan are understood to be interested in the 28-year-old striker.” Milan’s strike options already include “Santiago Gimenez, Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku,” though their interest suggests a desire to further sharpen an already formidable frontline.

Goals Maintain Market Appeal

Despite speculation, Mateta’s productivity remains constant. “Mateta netted his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.” Overall he “sits on nine for the season in all competitions,” including “a goal in the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August.” His durability is equally notable, having “featured in all of their 22 fixtures, and started in all but one of them.” Only Ismaila Sarr, with eight goals, comes close to matching his output.

Dual Departures Loom

There may be further anxieties ahead for Palace supporters. “Mateta could be one of two huge losses for Palace despite their recent success.” Defensive leader Marc Guehi’s future looks equally uncertain as “manager Oliver Glasner revealed this will be his last season.” Guehi’s aborted Liverpool switch last summer and the leaked “exit video” only deepen fears of an impending leadership vacuum, with “Guehi has entered the final year of his deal at Palace, and could therefore leave for free at the end of the season.”

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like history repeating itself. The idea that Palace’s leading scorer could already be eyeing a move abroad, when he still has two years to run on his deal, stirs unease amongst the Palace faithful. They have built momentum, delivered silverware and nurtured belief under Glasner, yet stability remains fragile when key players continue to view Selhurst Park as a stepping stone rather than a destination.

The timing is unsettling. With the World Cup approaching, any hesitation around extending contracts leaves Palace increasingly exposed. Once international tournaments shine a spotlight on players, buying clubs sense leverage. Fans dread another prolonged summer saga, watching negotiations leak into the press while uncertainty bleeds into performances.

Equally troubling is the parallel situation at the back. Losing both their captain and their top scorer in the same window would strip the squad of leadership and goals overnight. Replacing quality like that on a Palace budget is never straightforward. Supporters want ambition matched with retention. Without swift contract clarity, this promising era risks unraveling before it can properly flourish.