Jean-Philippe Mateta appears to be unhappy with the fact that Crystal Palace are not allowing him to join AC Milan yet.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport spoke of a race against time for Milan in terms of getting the Mateta deal done. He will either arrive before the 20:00 CET deadline tomorrow or in the summer, but the chances of the former are decreasing with Palace looking for a replacement.
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Yesterday, the striker was in London with his agent, awaiting Crystal Palace’s approval to fly to Italy, but the English club has put matters on hold until they are able to get another striker in, with Jorgen Strand Larsen still the main candidate.
Mateta is pushing for an immediate move because he wants to fight for the Scudetto and increase his chances of a World Cup call-up. His social media shows this: he posted an angry face on his story and unfollowed Crystal Palace’s account.
It’s now clear that his relationship with the London club is over, so it will be interesting to see whether Steve Parish and co. choose to keep him regardless, or whether the final approval will come from the Eagles and Mateta can fly out today.
🚨 Jean Philippe Mateta has unfollowed Crystal Palace on Instagram after his move to AC Milan has reportedly been stalled.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/HGFGUvubKN
— William Fortune (@willfortune_) January 31, 2026
I understand the position of Crystal Palace. They don’t have a substitute for Mateta. Otherwise they will let him go without playing hard way.
And they also already lost their captain Marc Guéhi for not a lot of money.
For a club that is not so far from relegation battle, that’s quite risky.
TBH if it means we don’t sign Vlahovic then I’d rather Mateta doesn’t join. He is too streaky and we’ve already blown €70 million on mediocre forwards. We need an elite level finisher. Even old man Lewandowski would be a better option than Mateta.
My thoughts exactly. Rather stick with what we have, secure a CL this Summer and sign Vlahovic.
You think Mateta is too streaky but you want Vlahovic to join? He literally doesn’t score goals anymore…
Vlahovic doesn’t miss easy chances. His lack of goals is more due to how Juve used to play.
Honestly, I am not sold on Mateta, his youtube videos doesnt even look good.
Give Nkunku as replacement, i’m sure they will be “pleased”.