Crystal Palace halt Mateta exit as AC Milan deal put on hold

Crystal Palace have hit the brakes on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan, with the Premier League club unwilling to sanction the transfer until a suitable replacement is secured.

That is according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who reports that negotiations between Palace and Milan are currently on hold as the Eagles scramble to solve their striker situation.

Mateta appeared close to leaving Selhurst Park earlier today, with Italian media confidently predicting “white smoke” — the traditional signal that a deal is complete. Instead, Di Marzio states the transfer has been paused, with Crystal Palace refusing to give final approval.

The reason is clear: Palace have not yet finalised a replacement for the French striker and are unwilling to weaken Oliver Glasner’s squad without cover in place.

AC Milan remain keen on Mateta and have already advanced discussions, but are now stuck in limbo while Palace reassess their options. From Milan’s perspective, time is becoming a factor as they look to reinforce before the window closes.

However, Palace’s stance suggests they are prepared to risk losing momentum on the deal rather than rush into an ill-prepared exit.

One potential replacement is now looking increasingly unlikely. Palace had identified Sidiki Cherif of Angers as a priority target earlier this month.

That route appears to be closing fast. Reports from Türkiye indicate Fenerbahçe are now leading the race, with journalist Erdem Akbaş claiming a club board member has travelled to France to finalise a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

If confirmed, Palace will be forced to pivot quickly.

Attention may now return to Jørgen Strand Larsen, who has also been linked as a Mateta replacement. Earlier claims suggested Palace had agreed a £50m deal for the striker, but Di Marzio has poured cold water on that narrative.

According to his information, Palace have not yet settled on any replacement, underlining why Mateta’s departure remains frozen.

Having followed Palace’s transfer strategy closely, this cautious approach reflects a club prioritising squad balance over deal momentum. However, it also carries risk. If Palace fail to land a replacement in time, Milan could walk away — or renegotiate from a stronger position.

For now, Palace are holding firm, even if it means frustrating both player and buying club.

Crystal Palace must move quickly in the final days of the window if they want to revive the Mateta deal. Securing a replacement striker is now the decisive factor — without it, Milan’s pursuit could collapse entirely.

Much will depend on whether Palace can pivot successfully after missing out on Cherif.

Should Palace risk losing Mateta’s transfer — or hold their nerve until the right replacement arrives?