It cannot be ruled out that AC Milan go back in for Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer window, according to a report.
Back in January, Mateta was just a medical away from joining Milan, but then issues with his knee came up and the plug was pulled on a deal worth €35m. The French striker remained at Crystal Palace, and after overcoming his knee problem he has started playing regularly and scoring again.
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Calciomercato.com report that in these final months of the season, Mateta wants to push hard to convince Didier Deschamps to take him to the World Cup, then he’ll move on and figure out what to do with his future.
Rossoneri revival?
According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace currently appear unwilling to offer a renewal to his contract, which expires in June 2027. The club are evaluating a summer sale to avoid the risk of losing him for free in a year, after the player had already rejected an initial offer for an extension in the past.
In January, Milan were close to signing him for €35m as mentioned, but with a year to go until his contract expires, the price may have dropped, especially since Crystal Palace has already signed Jorgen Strand Larsen (a deal worth over €50m).
Calciomercato.com add that it’s ‘not out of the question’ that Milan – if they don’t buy Niclas Füllkrug, as is likely – could return to Mateta, having more time to assess his fitness compared to the last transfer window.
In the winter, the management had to try close the deal in the final few hours and perhaps didn’t have the time needed to do in-depth tests on a knee that now seems fine. A lot would depend on how relations are with Palace following the late U-turn, and of course further fitness checks.
Juventus had also been in contact in January, and they’re planning to make some changes in attack for next season. The player had expressed openness to a move to Turin, and that could be an option worth considering this summer.
Keep an eye on potential Saudi Arab and Turkish options, as well as a permanent move to the Premier League, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest interested.