Key Takeaways:
- Milan have submitted a loan proposal for Jean-Philippe Mateta, featuring a mandatory £35 million purchase clause
- Mateta has reportedly agreed personal terms with Milan, including a four-year deal worth €3.5 million per year plus bonuses
- Crystal Palace will delay responding to Nottingham Forest’s £35 million bid for Mateta until after Sunday’s clash at the City Ground
Milan’s Ambitious Pursuit and Contract Details
The transfer tussle for Jean-Philippe Mateta has intensified, with Milan putting forth a formal bid to acquire the Crystal Palace striker. As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian club have proposed an immediate loan for the French forward, which includes a mandatory purchase option set at £35 million to be activated during the summer window. Before finalising any move, however, Milan aim to offload Christopher Nkunku.
Nicolò Schira has indicated that Mateta has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Milan and is poised to sign a four-year contract. The proposed deal is valued at €3.5 million per annum in salary, with additional bonuses possible.
🚨🔴⚫️ Jean Philippe Mateta has agreed personal terms with AC Milan, his favorite option.
AC Milan have advanced in talks with Crystal Palace for the summer but trying to complete the agreement now; if #CPFC give their green light.
Talks underway. pic.twitter.com/zhrZpJeXW7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2026
Competing Bids and Crystal Palace’s Stance
Nottingham Forest have also entered the fray by submitting their own £35 million offer for Mateta. Despite this, Crystal Palace are expected to hold off on giving a response until after the fixture against Forest at the City Ground on Sunday. Juventus previously expressed interest and engaged in negotiations for the French striker, but their reluctance to meet the £35 million asking price has led them to pursue alternative targets.
Potential Replacement and Forward Planning at Palace
Crystal Palace’s potential sale of Mateta has prompted them to seek a suitable replacement ahead of any agreement. The club are currently in discussions with Wolverhampton over a possible deal for striker Jørgen Strand Larsen as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
| Club | Bid for Mateta | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | Loan + £35 million (mandatory purchase) | Personal terms agreed | Waiting to resolve Christopher Nkunku’s exit |
| Nottingham Forest | £35 million | Awaiting response | Crystal Palace to reply after Sunday match |
| Juventus | N/A | Not proceeding | Unwilling to pay fee; pursuing other targets |
