A deal that would see Crystal Palace striker Jean Philippe Mateta join AC Milan is said to be all but wrapped up, although Palace are still delaying his exit as they search for a replacement.
Sky Sports News report that Milan have already agreed personal terms with Mateta on a three and a half year contract, with wages of around £3 million per season after tax. The forward is keen to make the switch and is currently waiting for the green light to travel to Italy for his medical and to complete the move.
While the framework of the transfer is in place, Palace remain in control of the final call. The club want to ensure they have sufficient cover in attack before allowing Mateta to leave.
The Eagles have already lined up a loan move for Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand, which includes a £28 million option to buy that can become mandatory if certain performance targets are met. Even so, Palace are reluctant to rely on that deal alone and are pushing to bring in another striker.
They had been in advanced talks to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen in a deal that could rise to £50 million, with most of the fee paid up front. Negotiations have stalled, though, with the structure of the add ons proving to be a major obstacle. Recent reports suggest the move is now uncertain, with Leeds United still monitoring the situation despite having a previous bid turned down.
Strand Larsen featured off the bench in Wolves’ recent home defeat to Bournemouth, and his manager Rob Edwards was non committal when asked about the forward’s future.
“I don’t have a crystal ball,” Edwards said. “We’ll see what the next couple of days bring. Some of it is out of my control, but we’ll see what happens.”
Until Palace resolve their search for attacking reinforcements, Mateta’s move to Milan remains close, but not yet complete.