Crystal Palace have rejected a formal approach from AC Milan for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports from Footmercato.
The refusal has not discouraged the Serie A heavyweights, who remain keen on bringing the Frenchman to the San Siro and are expected to keep the lines of communication open in the hope of finding common ground.
Mateta is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Milan, underlining his eagerness to make the switch. Earlier this month, the forward informed Palace of his intention to move on as he looks to capitalise on the best run of form of his career in England.
Palace in no rush to sell
Despite the player’s stance, Palace are holding their ground. With Mateta tied down until the summer of 2027, the club feel no urgency to cash in and will only sanction a transfer if their valuation is met.
The 28-year-old has been one of the few consistent performers during an up and down season for the Eagles. He has found the net eight times in 22 league outings, while also offering stronger hold-up play and a more complete all-round game.
Those performances have caught the attention of clubs outside the Premier League, with Milan viewing Mateta as a potential solution to bolster their forward line.
For Palace, losing him would leave a significant gap, particularly given ongoing injury concerns and patchy form among their other attacking options.