Jean-Philippe Mateta Transfer Update – Latest News (January 31 – February 1, 2026)

Current Status: Mateta is in the midst of a complex transfer process ahead of the February 2 transfer deadline. The 28-year-old French striker from Crystal Palace is desperate to join AC Milan, but significant obstacles remain. skysports

Interested Clubs:

  • AC Milan (frontrunner) – offering a 3.5-year contract worth £3 million per year after tax skysports
  • Nottingham Forest – submitted a £35 million bid skysports
  • Juventus – withdrawn from the race due to Palace's asking price being too high bola
  • Aston Villa – considered but ultimately opted for Tammy Abraham talksport

Core Issue: Mateta's transfer is stalled because Crystal Palace refuses to release the player unless they secure a replacement striker first. Milan and Palace have reached a framework agreement, but it remains contingent on Palace finding a suitable replacement. tribuna

Palace is in discussions to sign:

  • Evann Guessand (from Aston Villa) – already completed on loan with mandatory purchase option of £28 million skysports
  • Jorgen Strand Larsen (from Wolves) – negotiations ongoing, potential fee £45-50 million talksport

Player Situation:

  • Mateta was excluded from the squad for Nottingham Forest's match on February 1
  • Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Mateta is "not in the right mental state to play" nytimes
  • Mateta posted a cryptic message on Instagram with angry emojis, expressing frustration over the transfer delays mirror.co

Player Motivation: Mateta is eager to join Milan to compete in the Champions League and improve his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup for France. skysports

Transfer Deadline: The transfer window closes on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 19:00 GMT (1 PM ET), leaving very limited time to complete the deal. nytimes

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Last Update: March 25, 2026