Reports: €40m bid arrives as Milan watch on – the latest on Mateta amid desire for Italy

AC Milan have been linked with a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in recent days, and he continues to press for a move away from Crystal Palace.

Calciomercato.com confirm that Mateta wants to play in Italy next. As reported in recent days by Fabrizio Romano in a video on his Italian YouTube channel, the striker is studying the Italian language, while waiting for a possible call from Serie A.

Furthermore, Mateta has already submitted an official document to Crystal Palace requesting approval for his transfer in the January transfer window. This clear stance is dictated by his desire to embark on a new experience.

Where will he land?

Palace for their part are open to a sale, but only under certain conditions that are currently not particularly favourable to Italian clubs. We’re talking about a permanent purchase for a fee of €40m, and no loan formulas.

In recent weeks, Mateta’s name was heavily linked to Juventus, who were believed to have offered close to €30m. However, it was a loan with an option to buy, a formula that the south London club would not accept.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Milan have been monitoring Mateta for months and are big admirers, but a move for him would require an exit, with all the evidence pointing to Christopher Nkunku. There is another obstacle too: competition from clubs with much deeper pockets.

As reported by The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest are preparing an assault for Mateta. The Athletic even stated that they have submitted a £35m offer to Crystal Palace. It is close to Palace’s request, but work would be needed to convince the player.

Palace would only accept a £40m offer, also considering the possibility of immediately signing a replacement like the former Milan man Jorgen Strand-Larsen, now at Wolves. In short, Milan are at the window looking on, but Mateta’s future is uncertain.