Crystal Palace are close to reaching a verbal agreement to sign Jean Philippe Mateta’s replacement, with AC Milan keen on the striker.
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The Athletic‘s David Ornstein confirms that Palace are getting closer to signing Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a deal worth £45million (around €50m) plus £5m in add-ons being spoken about.
He adds that ‘talks are advanced’ regarding the fee and personal terms for Strand Larsen, who was actually part of Milan’s youth set-up for a while before his move away. At present, Palace lead Leeds United in the race for the 25-year-old, who scored 14 goals last season.
What next for Mateta?
If Strand Larsen were to arrive at Selhurst Park before the window shuts in a few days, it ‘could pave the way’ for Jean-Philippe Mateta to depart the club. The Frenchman has been heavily linked with an exit for weeks now, and things might be starting to fall into place.
Palace are ‘seeking a package worth around £40m’ (roughly €46m) for the 28-year-old despite the fact his deal expires at the end of next season and he will not renew.
Nottingham Forest have offered €40m for Mateta, while Milan ‘are also keen’ and Juventus ‘explored the situation earlier in the market’.