Juventus negotiating to sign Crystal Palace striker Mateta | OneFootball

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is in demand outside Selhurst Park.

According to Sky Sport Italy, the Palace ace is attracting interest from Juventus, who are making moves to secure his signature.

‘They (Juventus) have initiated an initial inquiry and appear intent on continuing negotiations.’

Per the report, even if the 36-time Serie A champions cannot get Crystal Palace to budge in the winter transfer window, they will try again in June.

The Eagles will demand €30-35 million to let him go. Juve are ready to part ways with Dusan Vlahovic and won’t mind coughing up the money.

Mateta has been a fantastic servant to Palace, spearheading the club to FA Cup and Community Shield victories.

The 28-year-old has bagged 56 goals and 13 assists in 184 appearances for the South London outfit, including 10 this season.

However, for Crystal Palace, this summer may be the ideal moment to part ways with the striker.

Mateta will be entering the final year of his contract at 28, and while his contribution to the team goes beyond raw numbers, the underlying data raises fair questions.

Despite scoring eight league goals this season, he has missed 15 big chances.

Last term was the same. Mateta bagged 14 league goals but spurned 19 big chances.

His physicality, aerial presence and ability to bring others into play have made him invaluable to Palace’s structure, often allowing the midfield to push higher and easing pressure.

Still, goals remain the currency that ultimately defines a striker.

With his value still relatively high and interest from an elite club like Juventus, Palace could cash in at the right time rather than risk losing leverage.

The challenge for the Eagles will be finding a successor who can replicate Mateta’s hold-up play while offering a more ruthless edge in front of goal.