Crystal Palace Stand Firm with £35m Valuation for Star Striker
Crystal Palace have taken a firm stance in the January transfer window, demanding a substantial fee for their prized asset as uncertainty continues to surround the south London club. The Eagles have reportedly set a £35 million asking price for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, following Juventus' rejected opening bid for the French forward.
Transfer Standoff Develops Between Premier League and Serie A Clubs
According to emerging reports from multiple sources, Juventus saw their initial approach for Mateta firmly rebuffed by Crystal Palace officials. The Italian giants proposed a structured deal involving a £1.7 million loan fee with an obligation to make the move permanent for £24.5 million should they qualify for European competition next season.
However, Palace have demonstrated their determination to secure maximum value for their top scorer, with club representatives holding out for their full £35 million valuation as negotiations between the two clubs continue. This substantial price tag reflects Mateta's importance to the Premier League side and his consistent goal-scoring record in recent seasons.
Personal Terms Reportedly Agreed Amid Managerial Uncertainty
Further complicating the situation for Crystal Palace, additional reports suggest that Mateta has already agreed personal terms with the Turin-based club. Sources indicate the 28-year-old striker is desperate to secure the move to Italy, with his salary expected to almost double should the transfer materialise during this January window.
This development comes during a particularly challenging period for the south London club, who recently confirmed the departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City in a £20 million deal. The defensive stalwart follows Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze out of Selhurst Park, marking a significant exodus of key players over the last eighteen months.
Manager Glasner Confirms Contract Situation
Adding to the club's difficulties, head coach Oliver Glasner revealed during a Friday press conference that he will not be extending his contract with Crystal Palace and will depart at the end of the current season. The Austrian manager made this announcement just minutes before addressing Mateta's future at the club.
"It's the same [as Guehi]," Glasner stated regarding Mateta's situation. "There will be a price where Crystal Palace say, 'OK, there's 18 months left on his contract and we do the deal if JP [Jean-Philippe Mateta] wants.' If nobody pays this price then JP will stay."
Mateta's Importance to Palace's Campaign
The potential departure of Mateta would represent a significant blow to Crystal Palace's ambitions for the remainder of the season. The French striker has been their most reliable source of goals, netting 10 times across all competitions this campaign following impressive tallies of 19 and 17 goals in the previous two seasons.
With Palace still competing in the UEFA Conference League and facing nearly half a season of Premier League football, losing their top scorer during the January window would present considerable challenges. The limited time available to secure a suitable replacement adds further pressure to the club's decision-making process regarding Mateta's future.
Juventus may consider walking away from negotiations according to some reports, though the Serie A club is believed to be hopeful of reaching a resolution with Palace. The Italian side reportedly received indications that Mateta has given the green light to the proposed move, though Palace's exploration of including Juventus striker Jonathan David in any deal was quickly dismissed by the Italian club.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Crystal Palace face crucial decisions that could significantly impact their short-term prospects and long-term planning, with the Mateta situation representing just one element of a complex period for the Premier League club.
