Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Crystal Palace exit is now entering its final phase, with Italian media claiming “white smoke” is expected today as AC Milan close in on a deal — leaving Juventus effectively sidelined.
The striker has been at the centre of a late-window scramble involving Nottingham Forest and two Serie A giants, but Milan now appear set to land the Palace forward after rapid progress behind the scenes.
Milan agreement edges Mateta towards exit
AC Milan made a late move for Jean-Philippe Mateta earlier this month, stepping in after Nottingham Forest had already advanced talks with Crystal Palace.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri accelerated negotiations on Thursday evening and reached an agreement with Palace. TuttoMercatoWeb report the deal is worth around €35m including bonuses, with Milan also agreeing personal terms with the striker.
Mateta is said to have accepted a long-term contract running until either 2029 or 2030, depending on the source, with a salary in the region of €3.5m per year.
Palace omission adds to transfer clarity
Mateta was not included in Palace’s travelling squad ahead of Sunday’s league meeting with Nottingham Forest. While Eagles boss Oliver Glasner insisted the omission had “nothing to do with transfers”, Italian outlets have linked the timing directly to the impending move.
TuttoMercatoWeb state Milan are working to complete paperwork so the striker can travel to Italy between today and tomorrow.
“White smoke expected today”
Tuttosport go further, reporting that “white smoke is expected today” as final documents are exchanged between the clubs. The same outlet claims Mateta could undergo his medical with AC Milan as early as Sunday.
If completed, the deal would conclude one of Milan’s priority objectives late in the window, with manager Massimiliano Allegri having admired Mateta since last summer.
Juventus left on the outside
The move also carries a notable subplot. Juventus had pushed early in the window and were confident of signing Mateta after agreeing personal terms. However, they failed to strike a deal with Crystal Palace — opening the door for Milan to step in.
Italian media describe Milan’s late success as effectively “mocking” Juventus, who now appear to have lost out decisively.
Key Insights
- AC Milan have agreed a €35m deal with Crystal Palace
- Jean-Philippe Mateta has accepted long-term personal terms
- “White smoke” is expected as documents are exchanged
- A medical could take place as early as Sunday
- Juventus have been beaten despite early confidence
What’s Next
If documentation is completed as expected, Mateta will travel to Italy for medical tests before being unveiled as a Milan player. Crystal Palace will then need to adjust quickly in the final days of the window, while Milan add a new focal point to Allegri’s attack.
Is Jean-Philippe Mateta the striker AC Milan have been missing — or have they simply won a race others failed to finish?
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