Earlier this week, TuttoSport suggested Juventus were closing in on a deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Reports claimed the Frenchman had already agreed personal terms, with Juventus opening discussions with Palace on Monday and hoping to finalise the transfer by Thursday. At that point, the gap between the two clubs was said to be small, and there was confidence in Turin that Palace would eventually sanction a sale.
However, the mood in Italy has shifted rapidly.
Gazzetta dello Sport now reports that the transfer is becoming increasingly difficult as negotiations have hit a standstill. Crystal Palace are holding firm on a total package worth €40 million, with their valuation rising following the recent sale of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City.
Palace are also reluctant to part with another key figure in the same window and, having already brought in significant funds, feel no pressure to cash in on Mateta. As a result, despite an agreement in principle on personal terms, the striker is now considered unlikely to make the move to Turin.
Another stumbling block for Juventus is the level of commission being requested by Mateta’s representatives, which has further complicated talks.
Because of these issues, attention in Turin is turning elsewhere. Fenerbahçe forward Youssef En-Nesyri is now emerging as a leading alternative. The Morocco international is keen on a move in search of regular minutes, something he is not currently guaranteed in Turkey. Fenerbahçe’s valuation is lower than Palace’s demands for Mateta, and the Turkish club are also open to a loan-based structure, making the deal more appealing for Juventus.