Jean-Philippe Mateta Juventus move stalls as Palace demands rise

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta remains eager to secure a winter move, but his hoped-for transfer to Juventusis becoming increasingly complicated as financial demands continue to climb.

Italian reports last week suggested Mateta had reached a personal agreement with Juventus, leaving the Serie A side to negotiate terms with Palace. Tuttosport later claimed Juve had even set an internal Thursday deadline to finalise a deal. However, fresh updates from Italy indicate the operation is far from straightforward.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Mateta has made his intentions clear to Palace officials, informing them directly of his agreement with Juventus. The France international, whose contract runs until 2027, wants to leave Selhurst Park during the current window and has ruled out moves to Turkey or Saudi Arabia.

His preference is either to remain in the Premier League or switch to Serie A. That stance has kept Juventus firmly in the picture, while also leaving the door open for English suitors.

Juventus have submitted a proposal based on a loan with an option to buy, which would become mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League. Currently sitting fifth in Serie A, the Turin club are three points behind fourth-placed AS Roma.

Palace, however, are seeking stronger guarantees. Reports suggest they want the purchase obligation triggered either if Juventus finish in the top ten or once Mateta makes his first appearance from March — conditions Juve are reluctant to accept.

While Mateta is regarded internally as Juventus’ “hottest” striker target, Gazzetta dello Sport report that the deal has cooled due to rising demands from both Palace and the player’s representatives.

Agent commission and the overall financial package are believed to be sticking points, with Juventus unwilling to significantly improve their offer. The club are keen to avoid a prolonged saga and could soon decide whether to push ahead or walk away.

Juventus are actively assessing other options, most notably Youssef En-Nesyri of Fenerbahçe. That route is far from clear-cut, with Napoli and Aston Villa also monitoring the Moroccan forward.

Villa, meanwhile, have also shown interest in Mateta, offering him a potential route to stay in England should Juventus fail to reach an agreement.

Juventus are expected to make a final call in the coming days on whether to press ahead with Mateta or redirect their focus elsewhere. Palace, holding a strong contractual position, are under no immediate pressure to sell unless their conditions are met.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, with multiple clubs involved and time still left in the window.

Should Crystal Palace cash in now or keep Mateta despite his desire to leave?