Crystal Palace Omit Mateta from Squad as Milan Transfer Looms
Crystal Palace have left striker Jean-Philippe Mateta out of their squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, with manager Oliver Glasner citing the player's mental state amid intense transfer speculation. The decision comes as Serie A giants Milan push to secure a deal for the 28-year-old French forward, who has expressed a desire to leave Selhurst Park to boost his chances of a World Cup call-up this summer.
Milan's Pursuit and Palace's Stance
Milan have tabled an offer worth up to £35 million for Mateta, though this falls short of Crystal Palace's £40 million asking price. The Italian club are optimistic about completing the transfer, with Mateta reportedly agreeing personal terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract. Palace are weighing the bid, having also received a £35 million offer from Nottingham Forest last week, which they have yet to respond to, preferring not to sell to a direct Premier League rival.
Glasner emphasised that Mateta's exclusion is not directly related to transfer negotiations but stems from the player being "not at his best" due to the surrounding noise and uncertainty. "It makes no sense to play him because then he can't help the team or perform on the top level," the manager stated, highlighting the need to protect both the team and the individual during this turbulent period.
Potential Replacements and Deadline Day Dynamics
Crystal Palace's transfer activity remains fluid as the January window approaches its deadline. The club have been linked with a move for Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, with a verbal agreement in place for a deal worth £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons. However, Palace have yet to formalise this offer, and concerns persist within the hierarchy about breaking their club record fee, currently set at £35 million for Brennan Johnson.
In other developments, Palace are confident of signing Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand on loan with an option to buy, despite late interest from Juventus. Additionally, attempts to secure Angers striker Sidiki Cherif have been rebuffed, with the 19-year-old favouring a move to Fenerbahce. Glasner acknowledged the club's relentless efforts, noting, "The club is working almost 24 hours a day," but remained non-committal on whether Mateta will depart or stay beyond the deadline.
Broader Implications for Crystal Palace
This situation underscores the high-stakes nature of the January transfer window for Crystal Palace, who are balancing squad stability with ambitious recruitment. Mateta's potential exit could pave the way for significant reinforcements, but Glasner stressed that the striker's future remains uncertain. "It can be that JP stays and is still a Palace player on 2 February or it could be that JP has left and we have a new striker at the club," he concluded, reflecting the unpredictable climax to the transfer period.
