Crystal Palace want truly high offer as AC Milan explore move for Mateta

Crystal Palace want truly high offer stance has become the defining obstacle in AC Milan’s attempt to bring Jean-Philippe Mateta to Serie A this January. While Milan have opened talks and begun sounding out conditions for a transfer, Palace have made their position emphatically clear: unless an exceptional bid arrives, Mateta is going nowhere.

According to Niccolò Ceccarini via Tuttomercatoweb, Milan are “exploring the possibility” of signing the French striker as they search aggressively for a new centre-forward. With Santiago Giménez expected to depart and the Rossoneri lacking depth in the No.9 position, Mateta has emerged as a genuine shortlist candidate. Early indications suggest he is tempted by the idea of playing in Italy, which has encouraged Milan to test the waters.

But Crystal Palace, mid-season and lacking reliable alternatives of their own, are refusing to entertain a bargain exit. Mateta remains under contract until June 2027 and has been one of the Premier League’s more productive forwards this campaign. That leaves Palace with no incentive to negotiate unless Milan submit a bid large enough to reshape their January plans entirely.

Milan’s need for a new forward is no secret. Their goal output has dipped, and internal assessments highlight striker as the squad’s biggest vulnerability. Giménez’s likely departure accelerates that urgency, and the club are examining multiple profiles in parallel.

Mateta, with his mix of strength, mobility and Premier League experience, appeals to Milan’s recruitment department. His consistency this season has elevated him beyond the ‘stop-gap’ category — he is viewed as a player who could start immediately in Serie A.

Still, Ceccarini stresses that Milan are only in the probing phase. No formal offer has been made, and none will be entertained unless it meets Palace’s strict valuation.

Palace sources insist there is “no intention” of selling a starting striker mid-season unless an extraordinary bid arrives — hence the message that Crystal Palace want truly high offer conditions before even discussing a sale.

It’s a calculated and understandable position. Mateta has become essential to the team’s attacking structure, offering hold-up play, link-up ability and a dependable goalscoring presence. Losing him in January without adequate replacement options could be disastrous.

The Premier League club are also aware that Milan, historically, prefer structured deals or valuations below the English market rate — and Palace have no desire to engage in drawn-out negotiations that go nowhere.

Having followed Milan’s market behaviour for years, this has the classic markings of an exploratory enquiry rather than a bid in the making. In our view, Milan admire Mateta but are unlikely to meet the valuation Palace require. The Rossoneri rarely pay Premier League prices unless the player is a cornerstone signing.

Although some suggest Mateta’s desire to play in Serie A could force movement, it’s worth questioning whether Milan see him as a primary target or simply one of several emergency options. Their shortlist reportedly includes players with more favourable price structures, which further complicates Mateta’s chances.

From Palace’s side, selling a main striker mid-season contradicts sporting logic unless the fee transforms their window. That “truly high offer” wording is no accident — it essentially declares that Mateta is off-limits unless Milan dramatically shift their valuation.

Milan are expected to continue enquiries, but progress will hinge on whether the RedBird Capital Partners ownership group authorise a major investment. Palace, meanwhile, are preparing for January assuming Mateta stays — unless someone “tests their resolve” with the kind of offer they publicly demand.

👉 Crystal Palace fans — should the club cash in now or hold firm until summer? And how much is Mateta worth right now?