Crystal Palace's anticipated transfer of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to AC Milan is teetering on the edge of collapse mere hours before the January deadline, with the Italian giants reportedly reconsidering their move.
Transfer Deal Unravels at the Eleventh Hour
The proposed £26 million agreement, which included additional performance-related add-ons, had been progressing steadily until Sunday evening. However, Sky Sports reports that AC Milan have begun to drag their feet, casting significant doubt over whether the transfer will be completed before the 7pm deadline on Monday.
This development comes after Crystal Palace finally gave Mateta the green light to depart on Sunday, following earlier reluctance to sanction the sale without securing a replacement first. The Eagles had maintained a firm stance throughout negotiations, insisting they wouldn't part with their star striker until they had identified suitable attacking reinforcements.
Milan's Hesitation and Nkunku Complications
AC Milan's sudden hesitation appears to stem from complications involving Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. The French international, who has scored four goals in sixteen Premier League appearances this season, was expected to depart Stamford Bridge, potentially to Roma or Fenerbahce.
With Nkunku now looking increasingly likely to remain at Chelsea, Milan are reportedly reconsidering their entire transfer strategy. Club officials are said to be debating whether to proceed with the Mateta deal immediately or postpone their striker search until the summer transfer window opens.
This indecision creates a precarious situation for Crystal Palace, who could miss out on a substantial transfer fee that would have provided valuable financial flexibility. Furthermore, delaying the transfer risks allowing other interested clubs to swoop in for Mateta's signature during the summer months.
Mateta's Absence and Managerial Explanation
The transfer uncertainty has already impacted Crystal Palace's matchday preparations, with Mateta notably absent from Sunday's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. Manager Oliver Glasner provided a detailed explanation for the striker's omission, citing both footballing and personal considerations.
"It is nothing to do right now with the transfers," Glasner stated. "He is not in the [right] place. To play makes no sense. We have to protect the team and I have to protect him."
The Austrian manager elaborated further, acknowledging the distracting nature of transfer speculation: "Again, there is so much noise, so much speculation, so many things going on. We need every single player at their best and JP [Mateta] isn't at his best right now with all the noise that happens."
Glasner's comments reflect the complex reality facing clubs during transfer windows, where business considerations often intersect with team selection decisions. When high-value transfers reach advanced stages, clubs frequently avoid risking player involvement to prevent potential injuries that could derail negotiations.
Broader Context of Palace's Turbulent Month
The Mateta transfer saga represents just one element of a particularly challenging period for Crystal Palace. The South London club has experienced multiple significant developments throughout January:
- The unexpected early departure of club captain Marc Guehi
- Manager Oliver Glasner's announcement that he will leave at season's end
- Mateta's formal transfer request earlier in the month
- A concerning dip in form that briefly raised relegation concerns
Despite these challenges, Palace's recent point against Nottingham Forest provides some stability, with the club likely possessing sufficient points to secure Premier League survival comfortably. The draw, while perhaps disappointing given earlier season expectations, represents valuable progress given recent performances.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Crystal Palace face an anxious wait to discover whether Mateta will remain at Selhurst Park beyond Monday evening or whether AC Milan will ultimately proceed with their long-anticipated acquisition.
