Crystal Palace were close to parting ways with Jean-Philippe Mateta in January. But there is every chance that happens in the summer.
AC Milan were on the verge of signing him, until a knee problem emerged during medical tests. SportWitness covered this extensively, as the Rossoneri had agreed a €30m fee for the Frenchman.
The end to the season hasn’t been bad for Mateta. He scored in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, finding the net against Arsenal and Everton in the Premier League too.
It appears as though Italian interest in him hasn’t quite gone away. Juventus’ desperate for him is now only growing.
Two newspapers cover situation
Gazzetta dello Sport note that ‘Mateta is back’ on Juve’s shortlist. They had kept an eye on him in January and are now alerted to how he has essentially replaced Randal Kolo Muani in the France squad.
The Tottenham player was previously a key target for them but Mateta has now replaced him even on the Juve shortlist.
Dusan Vlahovic’s current deal in Turin runs out at the end of June. Even if he renews that contract, Mateta will remain a summer target.
TuttoSport echo the same sentiment but offer detail into the valuation.
While Milan agreed a €30m fee in January, his valuation remains quite the same, even if his contract runs out in 2027. But depending on how he performs at the World Cup, this price tag can definitely go up after the tournament.
Juve do not want to risk that situation. They would much rather move for him as soon as possible and seal an agreement before the price increases. After the World Cup, there is also a chance that more clubs join the race and this will only help Crystal Palace earn much more than €30m.
Palace should stand firm
It feels like these are attempts from those around Mateta to promote the player in the market. Since there have been no developments over a renewal, he is anyway likely to leave.
The 28-year-old’s entourage wouldn’t mind a lower price tag, as they can then earn some commission in the deal. A higher valuation will reduce those chances, if the player impresses at the World Cup.
That is why Crystal Palace should stand firm. Juve failed to qualify for the Champions League and can yet struggle to pay around €30m for him. They should know that clubs will come calling for him in the summer, as English teams were also keen in January.
This is no time to panic and the Eagles’ chance at the best possible sale should come soon.