Milan's Bold Mateta Bid Hits Palace's Wall
24 January 2026
Transfer Talks
Will Milan steal his target this summer?
Milan has heated up the chatter between French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Crystal Palace's management, as the Italian club pursues the forward from the English club.
French outlet Foot Mercato reports Milan has submitted a formal bid to Crystal Palace to sign Mateta during the current January transfer window.
The Palace board reportedly rejected the offer outright, keen to keep their top scorer and only willing to sell for a very big fee that matches his importance.
He has allegedly already reached a personal agreement with Milan officials over all details of a potential move to San Siro this winter.
Mateta, this season, has featured in 33 matches across all competitions for Palace, scoring 10 goals and providing two decisive assists.
The French striker, 28, has previously played for Lyon and Le Havre in France, plus Mainz in Germany, before cementing his career in England.
Sniper punchline 1: Milan's transfer plan is so precise that even the contract has a built in scope and range.
Sniper punchline 2: Palace stands firm, asking for a fortress level fee — and perhaps a map to Mateta's next destination.
Context and Outlook
The negotiations come as Milan targets a top scorer to bolster their attack, while Palace remains determined to value their asset at a premium and push towards European competition again next season.
Past links to other clubs and the transfer window timeline add to the complexity of a winter move, with Mateta weighing his options in the background as Milan fans hold their breath.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has already made a name for himself in the Premier League and France's Ligue 1 before settling in England.
