Mateta could end up in red after all — but in black and red

AC Milan’s move for Jean-Philippe Mateta has gathered serious momentum, with developments over the past few hours pushing the deal closer to a swift conclusion. According to reports, an agreement with Crystal Palace on a €30 million fee is already in place, and Milan are now pushing hard to bring the striker in immediately rather than delaying the transfer until the summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Milan’s intention is to complete the operation as quickly as possible, a move that could have a major impact on the Scudetto race. Adding a forward with 38 Premier League goals across the last two and a half seasons would significantly raise Milan’s attacking threat — and, by extension, the pressure on Inter. Juventus’ long-standing interest in Mateta only underlines how highly the Frenchman is rated.

Attention now turns to timing. Confidence inside Milan is growing, with CEO Giorgio Furlani actively working to finalise the transfer without delay. The Rossoneri have made their stance clear: Mateta is viewed as a long-term solution at centre-forward and a potential No.9 for years to come. The final hurdle is Crystal Palace’s willingness to sanction an immediate exit.

Palace, for their part, are exploring a move for Wolverhampton striker Jorgen Strand Larsen — a former Milan Primavera player — and progress on that front could be decisive. Should they secure a replacement, Mateta would be free to leave straight away. Failing that, Palace may instead opt to lock in a deal for June.

Nottingham Forest remain a name to watch as well. Although Milan have now surged ahead in the race, Forest are still prepared to commit a substantial fee if the opportunity arises.

The coming hours are expected to be decisive. Mateta’s position is well known: a move to Italy has long appealed to him, and he has already agreed personal terms with Milan worth between €3 and €3.5 million net per season, with bonuses included.