Crystal Palace step carefully as Mateta future dominates
Crystal Palace will travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday without Jean-Philippe Mateta, with head coach Oliver Glasner confirming the France forward has been excluded from the matchday squad amid growing uncertainty over his future.
Glasner insisted the decision was performance-related rather than punitive, explaining that Mateta is “not at his best” while his next steps remain unresolved. With speculation intensifying in recent days, the Palace boss is attempting to keep the group focused while one of the club’s most important attacking pieces weighs up a move abroad.
Milan push for deal but fall short of Palace valuation
AC Milan are understood to have accelerated their interest and are optimistic of striking an agreement, having entered the race for the 28-year-old. However, Palace are yet to receive an offer that matches their valuation. The Italian side have reportedly proposed a package worth up to £35m, while Palace are holding out for closer to £40m.
Mateta has not hidden his desire to make a step that could elevate his profile ahead of a potential World Cup call-up this summer. That ambition has added another layer to the situation, with the forward seemingly open to a move if the clubs can bridge the gap.
From Palace’s perspective, the immediate challenge is balancing the need to protect the player’s focus and fitness with the reality that he remains central to their plans unless and until a deal is struck.
Palace weigh replacement options with Strand Larsen on radar
Palace’s recruitment team are also navigating the knock-on effect of any Mateta departure. The club have yet to firm up a bid to Wolves for Jørgen Strand Larsen, who is viewed as a potential solution should Palace need to refresh their forward line.
With time pressures mounting, Sunday’s trip to Forest arrives at an awkward moment: Mateta’s absence forces Glasner to lean on alternative attacking options, while the club simultaneously works on both sides of the equation—maximising the return on a sale and ensuring the squad isn’t left short up front.
For now, the message from Selhurst Park is clear: Palace won’t be rushed into accepting a fee below their asking price. But with Milan pushing and Mateta keen on the move, the coming days could prove decisive for one of the most significant transfer stories involving the Eagles this window.
