Italian media is reporting that AC Milan could potentially revisit a transfer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the upcoming summer transfer window. This speculation has been fueled by the recent sighting of Mateta’s agent at San Siro, where he attended the Serie A match between Milan and Juventus, which ended in a goalless draw.
Milan had previously attempted to secure Mateta’s services in late January. An agreement in the region of €30 million was reportedly reached with Crystal Palace, but the transfer ultimately fell through in the final hours of the winter window due to issues discovered during the player’s medical examination.
At the time, reports indicated that an underlying knee problem was the cause for concern. Subsequent expert opinions reportedly contributed to the deal’s collapse. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner acknowledged that Mateta’s failure to pass the medical was “not a big surprise,” noting that the French forward had been playing with a swollen knee for several months prior to the January transfer window.
Mateta ultimately opted against undergoing surgery for his knee condition. Glasner explained that this decision was his best course of action to ensure he would be fit and available for the 2026 World Cup that summer.
After a rehabilitation period of approximately six weeks, Mateta has since returned to action. In his last nine appearances across all competitions, he has scored three goals and provided one assist.
Could Milan Pursue Mateta This Summer?
According to reports from Calciomercato.com, Milan may indeed consider re-entering negotiations for Mateta during the summer. The presence of Mateta’s agent, Paul Latouche, at the Milan vs. Juventus game has intensified these rumors.
Furthermore, it is suggested that Milan might be able to negotiate a reduced transfer fee with Crystal Palace this summer. This potential discount could stem from the fact that Mateta is expected to enter the final year of his contract with the Eagles when the transfer window opens.
English Translation:
Reports emerging from Italy suggest that AC Milan might reconsider a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the summer transfer window. This speculation has been sparked by the recent sighting of his agent at San Siro, attending the goalless Serie A draw between Milan and Juventus.
Milan had initially tried to sign Mateta at the end of January and had reportedly agreed on a fee of around €30 million with Crystal Palace. However, the deal collapsed in the final hours of the winter transfer window due to issues identified during the player’s medical assessment.
It was reported at the time that a pre-existing knee issue was the reason for the failed transfer, with multiple expert opinions reportedly contributing to the decision. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner later commented that it was “not a big big surprise” that Mateta failed his medical, adding that the player had been managing a swollen knee for several months before the January window.
Mateta ultimately chose not to undergo surgery on his knee. Glasner indicated that this was the best decision for him to be fit and available for the 2026 World Cup that summer.
After missing around six weeks for knee rehabilitation, Mateta has since returned and has contributed three goals and an assist in his most recent nine appearances across all competitions.
Could Milan Return for Mateta This Summer?
Now, according to reports from Calciomercato.com, Milan could potentially revisit a move for Mateta this summer. This possibility has been amplified by the sighting of Mateta’s agent, Paul Latouche, at San Siro for the recent 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus.
Saturday’s report indicates that Milan might also be able to negotiate a discounted fee with Crystal Palace this summer, given that Mateta is expected to enter the final year of his contract with the Eagles when the transfer window opens.