AC Milan Transfer Focuses on Palace’s Mateta Move

AC Milan transfer speculation is accelerating as the Rossoneri open talks to prise Jean-Philippe Mateta away from Crystal Palace in what could become one of the most intriguing strikes of the summer window. Having watched the Frenchman bag 17 goals across all competitions last season, Milan’s recruitment team believe the 27-year-old holds the ideal blend of physicality, finishing and tactical discipline to flourish at San Siro.

Why an AC Milan transfer for Mateta makes sense

AC Milan transfer policy under technical director Geoffrey Moncada has pivoted toward players in their mid-20s who combine resale value with immediate impact. Mateta, standing 1.92 m with deceptive pace, fits that bill. He would offer Stefano Pioli a classic No. 9 capable of occupying both centre-backs, freeing Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic to attack space from the flanks. Milan’s current striker options include 37-year-old Olivier Giroud and the promising but raw Noah Okafor; depth is clearly required.

The financial landscape

Crystal Palace reportedly value their top scorer at €30-35 million. While the fee is significant, AC Milan transfer budgets have been boosted by Champions League qualification and the record kit deal with Puma. Crucially, Mateta’s wage demands—believed to sit around €3.5 million net—fall comfortably within Milan’s salary structure, avoiding the kind of fiscal strain that scuppered earlier pursuits of higher-profile forwards.

Mateta’s desire for Serie A lights the fuse

Sources close to the player confirm he has instructed his representatives to explore an AC Milan transfer. The forward is attracted by Serie A’s tactical rigor and Milan’s illustrious history of French-speaking strikers, from Jean-Pierre Papin to Olivier Giroud. Palace would prefer to keep him, yet the Eagles are realistic: selling at peak value could finance reinforcements for new coach Oliver Glasner.

How Mateta would fit Pioli’s system

1. Hold-up play: Mateta’s ability to shield the ball allows midfield runners such as Tijjani Reijnders to surge forward.
2. Aerial presence: Milan attempted the second-fewest crosses in Serie A last season; adding a target man could diversify their attack.
3. Pressing intensity: Data from StatsBomb show Mateta averages 17.4 pressures per 90, aligning with the Rossoneri’s high-press blueprint.

Comparing alternatives on the AC Milan transfer shortlist

Player	Club	Goals 23/24	Expected Fee
Jonathan David	Lille	24	€50m
Benjamin Šeško	RB Leipzig	18	€55m
Jean-Ph. Mateta	Crystal Palace	17	€32m

Mateta is the most cost-effective option, requires no winter AFCON absence, and is already fluent in English—handy for Pioli’s multilingual dressing room.

Crystal Palace’s stance

Chairman Steve Parish is reluctant to lose momentum after a strong finish under Glasner, yet the Eagles’ model centres on recruiting smart, selling high and reinvesting. With Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze drawing attention, cashing in on one asset early could protect against a triple exodus.

The domino effect across Serie A

An AC Milan transfer for Mateta could trigger a chain reaction:

• Atalanta may accelerate talks for Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee to replace potential Milan-bound backups.
• Inter could rush to finalise a new contract for Marcus Thuram, wary of the Rossoneri strengthening.
• Juventus, still hunting a striker, might turn to Álvaro Morata if Mateta is off the market.

Historical precedent for Ligue 1 to Serie A success

Past arrivals such as David Trezeguet, Edinson Cavani and Victor Osimhen demonstrate that physical forwards adapt well from the Premier League or French football to Italy’s defensive environment. Mateta’s blend of power and positioning suggests a similar trajectory.

What the numbers say

According to FBref, Mateta ranks in the 85th percentile for non-penalty xG among Premier League forwards, yet he also excels in defensive actions, landing in the 70th percentile for tackles in the attacking third. That dual contribution is precisely what Pioli demanded after Milan’s limp exit to Roma in last season’s Europa League.

Roadblocks to a deal

1. Work permit and tax implications: Italy’s growth decree, set to be revised this summer, may reduce net-salary savings for foreign signings.
2. Timing: Palace begin pre-season on 1 July. Milan will want Mateta in camp before their US tour kicks off against Manchester City.
3. Competition: Reports in Germany claim Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the situation, potentially driving up the price.

Fan reaction and media narrative

Rossoneri supporters online are split. Some crave a marquee name, while others cite the club’s history of unearthing gems—think Kaká or Theo Hernández. English media, meanwhile, dub the potential switch a “shock move,” yet insiders note Milan scouted Mateta extensively during the Eagles’ late-season surge.

What happens next?

Expect initial contact between CEO Giorgio Furlani and Palace’s sporting director Dougie Freedman within the next ten days. If personal terms can be agreed swiftly, Milan may table a formal bid before their friendly against Arsenal in mid-July. Palace will likely hold out for bonuses tied to Champions League qualification.

AC Milan transfer summary

An AC Milan transfer for Jean-Philippe Mateta looks feasible, affordable and tactically coherent. Both clubs stand to benefit, the player is pushing for it, and the timing aligns with Milan’s squad-rejuvenation plan. While obstacles remain, momentum is undeniably building.

Opinion: Why this gamble is worth taking

Mateta is not yet a global superstar, but neither was Olivier Giroud when he arrived in Italy at 35 and fired Milan to a Scudetto. With the striker entering his prime and craving a bigger stage, AC Milan can secure a modern target man without busting the bank. If they hesitate, another European giant will pounce—and the Rossoneri risk watching a perfect fit slip through their fingers.