admin“EXIT LOOMS”- Crystal Palace star ‘open’ to Selhurst Park exit as European giants ‘plot blockbuster’ move
Crystal Palace could face multiple departures in the near future, with several key players linked to moves away from Selhurst Park.
Among them is striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is reportedly open to an exit as Italian giants AC Milan prepare a major bid for the 28-year-old.
Mateta arrived at Palace in January 2022 and is contracted to the club until the end of the 2026/27 season. Since joining, he has featured in 172 matches, scoring 54 goals and providing 12 assists.
According to TEAMtalk, Milan are lining up a “spectacular” transfer for the forward, and sources claim Mateta would be willing to depart the Premier League side with roughly 18 months left on his current deal.
The Frenchman is said to favour a move to Serie A, and a fee in the region of £40 million could see him leave as early as January.
Palace are also battling to retain Marc Guehi, whose contract is approaching its final stages, while midfielder Adam Wharton has attracted strong interest from several Premier League clubs.
Although Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with Mateta, the player’s preference is a switch to Italy if he chooses to leave.
Palace are not expected to obstruct a transfer, but they will demand that their valuation be met.
While AC Milan may no longer dominate European football as they once did, their status remains formidable, backed by seven Champions League titles.
Palace are engaged in discussions over a new deal for Mateta, but the London Evening Standard reports the club would need to substantially increase their wage offer to convince him to stay.
Negotiations have stalled, with salary expectations remaining a major sticking point. After earning his first France cap in October, Mateta now has ambitions of competing in the Champions League.
That goal isn’t entirely out of reach at Palace—Roy Hodgson’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League after 12 matches, having lost only twice. Their upcoming fixtures include a home encounter with Manchester United followed by a trip to Burnley.
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