Juventus set Thursday deadline for Jean-Philippe Mateta Crystal Palace transfer

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential exit from Crystal Palace has become front-page news in Italy, with Juventus accelerating talks and imposing a firm Thursday deadline to complete a January move.

Italian newspaper TuttoSport reports that negotiations between the two clubs intensified earlier this week following Juventus’ initial €33m proposal, first revealed by Gazzetta dello Sport. While Crystal Palace’s valuation is not viewed as the primary obstacle, Mateta’s wage demands and agent commissions have complicated the deal.

Juventus are keen to finalise the transfer swiftly, ideally in time for Mateta to be available for their upcoming Serie A clash with Napoli.

Midweek had been earmarked as the optimal window for the French striker to travel to Turin for a medical, and his situation has now taken centre stage on TuttoSport’s front page. Further talks reportedly took place on Monday as Juventus attempted to soften Crystal Palace’s stance on their €35m asking price.

Despite Mateta’s contract at Crystal Palace running until 2027, there is growing tension behind the scenes. Juventus believe time is on their side, particularly after learning the 28-year-old has informed Palace he does not intend to sign a new deal.

Juventus feel Mateta’s market value will gradually decrease with each passing day if Palace delay a decision. This belief has strengthened their negotiating position, with the Italian giants open to waiting until the summer if necessary.

However, the club’s hierarchy is keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s failed pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani, who ultimately joined Tottenham. That experience has prompted decisive action from Juventus’ leadership.

Chief executive Damien Comolli has now set Thursday as a hard deadline to conclude a January deal. The current proposal includes a €2.5m loan fee and an obligation to buy worth €30.5m, which would be triggered if Juventus qualify for European competition.

There is increasing confidence in Turin that adding a sell-on percentage could be enough to secure Crystal Palace’s approval. Sources suggest that personal terms with Mateta are already agreed, with the striker ready to sign a four-year contract.

At present, the gap between the clubs is believed to be around €2m, with negotiations ongoing to bridge that difference before the Thursday cutoff.

The coming hours are therefore viewed as decisive, with Juventus pushing hard to avoid letting another priority target slip away.

Talks will continue over the next 48 hours as Juventus attempt to finalise the deal before their self-imposed deadline. Failure to agree could see the Italian club walk away until the summer.

Should Crystal Palace cash in now, or risk holding Mateta into the final year of his deal?