Milan move for unhappy Mateta under threat as Crystal Palace struggle to find replacement | OneFootball

Milan’s pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta has hit a fresh obstacle as Crystal Palace struggle to line up a replacement for the French striker.

Talks between the two clubs had been progressing, with Milan identifying Mateta as a profile capable of adding physicality and depth to their attacking department.

However, Palace are now reluctant to give the green light to any departure until they secure a suitable alternative up front, as per Sky Sport Italia.

The Premier League side are wary of weakening their squad mid-season, especially with limited time left in the window and a thin market for proven centre-forwards.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Crystal Palace FC and KuPS Kuopio at Selhurst Park on December 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Mateta unhappy as Crystal Palace block Milan move

The Eagles completed a loan move For Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on Friday but the London club likely want a more substantial replacement before letting their star forward leave.

As a result, negotiations have slowed, leaving Milan waiting to see whether conditions can change in the coming days.

For the Rossoneri, Mateta remains a concrete target, but the deal now depends less on financial terms and more on Palace’s ability to solve their own attacking needs first.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on January 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

A breakthrough is still possible, though the situation has become significantly more complicated.

Mateta, meanwhile, is unhappy with the situation. Taking to Instagram to vent his frustration with a story featuring a very stroppy emoji.