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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg One match between Crystal Palace FC and ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on April 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Reports in Italy suggest that Milan could circle back for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the summer transfer window after his agent was spotted in San Siro for the recent 0-0 Serie A draw between the Rossoneri and Juventus.
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Milan had attempted to bring Mateta to Italy towards the end of January and had agreed a fee in the region of €30m with Crystal Palace, but the deal fell through in the final hours of the winter transfer window due to issues uncovered during the player’s medical.
It was reported at the time that there was an underlying issue with Mateta’s knee, and it was later confirmed that several different experts had weighed in with their opinions before the deal fell through.
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner later admitted that “it was not a big big surprise” to see Mateta fail his medical, and that the Frenchman had been playing on with a swollen knee for several months before the January transfer window.
Mateta ultimately decided against having surgery on his knee; Glasner revealing that this was his best option if he is to be fit and available for selection for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
After missing around six weeks of action while rehabbing his knee, Mateta has since returned and provided three goals and an assist from his nine most-recent appearances across all competitions.
Could Milan return for Mateta this summer?
Now, according to reports from Calciomercato.com, Milan could potentially circle back for Mateta this summer.
This suggestion has been fuelled by the sighting of Mateta’s agent, Paul Latouche, in San Siro for last weekend’s 0-0 draw between Milan and Juventus in Serie A.
Saturday’s report suggests that Milan could potentially negotiate a discounted fee with Crystal Palace this summer as well, given that Mateta is currently due to be entering the final year of his Eagles contract when the window opens.
ByPeter Young
Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.
