According to The Pitch Prospect, Juventus have held talks with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s representatives ahead of a potential move in January.
The Serie A Giants have identified Mateta as the perfect replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who will leave the club when his contract expires in June.
3
The Frenchman, who initially joined Palace from Mainz on loan in 2021, is delighted with the move after telling club bosses that he wanted to explore his options, particularly those in Italy.
The striker, whose contract at Selhurst Park ends in 2027, changed his tune after the two parties failed to agree terms on a new deal for the 28-year-old, who was keen to be included in France’s squad for the World Cup.
According to The Pitch Prospect’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, discussions remain deadlocked after Palace told the striker they have no intention of paying him what he is demanding for the contract extension.
Crystal clear
Therefore, Juventus is hoping to secure the striker on loan with a purchase option or commitment.
However, it is unclear whether they can meet Palace’s valuation, according to The Pitch Prospect transfer expert Ben Jacobs.
The Old Lady is hoping to quickly secure a deal with a number of other clubs – including AC Milan – who are believed to be in the running for the France international.
Mateta is also believed to have attracted interest from Palace’s other Premier League clubs.
Saudi club Al-Shabab, who have shown interest in Callum Wilson, made an initial inquiry last year but were quickly informed that Mateta did not wish to move to the Saudi Pro League at this point in his career.
Juventus’ interest is another blow to the Eagles in what has been a tough 24 hours.
On Friday, Oliver Glasner revealed that captain Marc Guehi was close to a move to Manchester City, before later confirming that he would be leaving his position as coach at the end of the season.
3
On Palace’s terms
However, Palace are unlikely to give up on their frontman without first finding an adequate replacement.
The FA Cup winners continue to negotiate with promising Angers striker Sidiki Cherif, while Palace may even be looking for an additional striker to fill the void left by Mateta.
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been tipped as a possible target, while Strasbourg’s in-form Argentine hitman Joaquin Panichelli is also likely to be of interest.
Glasner said during his press conference on Friday: “There will be a price at which Crystal Palace says: ‘His contract runs for eight months, we’ll do the deal if JP wants’.”
“If no one pays this price, JP will stay.”
Palace will also be in the market for a new centre-back, with Guehi expected to complete his move to the Etihad Stadium in the coming hours.
3
Additionally, clubs at home and abroad continue to monitor in-demand midfielder Adam Wharton ahead of a potential move in the summer.
The Crystal Palace side, hurt by last weekend’s shock FA Cup exit to Macclesfield and the impending departures of Guehi and Glasner, return to action on Saturday with the trip to Sunderland.