Last week, Gazzetta dello Sport appeared confident that Juventus’ move for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has cooled off.
The Italian side were backing away due to the commission demands of the player’s agents. The Eagles’ asking price was also proving steep, even if the Bianconeri had agreed personal terms with the striker.
This led to them moving on to Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri. A move for the Moroccan also appeared close, as director Marco Ottolini flew to Istanbul to iron out the final details.
Juve have faced big problems in that too, with Sevilla’s inclusion making the striker have second thoughts about a switch to Turin.
It now seems like Crystal Palace’s Mateta is back on Juve’s radar.
La Stampa report today that the 28-year-old has had an ‘open call’ with his entourage regarding a move to the Italian giants. Communication has been constant and they have informed the London club that the Old Lady’s offer of over €30m should be taken into account again.
As a result, Crystal Palace are ‘reconsidering’ their stance over the initial €40m demand. They had also wanted the striker’s permanent exit only but they are willing to possibly reduce their demands.
The report claims that AC Milan and other Premier League clubs are also interested in Mateta. Despite that, everything points to the Frenchman preferring Luciano Spalletti’s side.
They are now relying completely on the striker’s willingness to join. Beyond that, there seems to be no reason for Crystal Palace to execute a sale late in January. There is little time left for them to sign a replacement and a summer sale would make more sense.