Jean-Philippe Mateta: ‘Worrying’ Crystal Palace update, they could be ‘forced’ to sell
Crystal Palace may have to cash in on Jean-Philippe Mateta next summer before his contract expires after contract negotiations grinded to a halt.
With time running out to sign a new deal, it is looking more and more unlikely that Mateta will be convinced to sign a new deal with Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman’s current deal will expire at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, yet the Eagles are keen to not have a repeat of the Marc Guehi fiasco.
Crystal Palace are keen to hold onto Mateta, but it is becoming increasingly likely the forward will not extend his stay at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace have learnt their lessons with Marc Guehi as they prepare for possible Mateta exit
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Eagles are aware they may have to let the number 14 go to avoid him leaving on a free.
On 30 November, ex-Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that he expects Mateta to sign a new deal with Crystal Palace, yet talks have evidently declined.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Obviously, it’s worrying for Palace right now.
“It seems that those contract talks have totally stalled and the player could be maybe tempted by a move away to another club, which would be a huge loss to Palace.
“For Palace right now, they can’t afford a repeat of the Marc Guehi situation where maybe Mateta runs down his contract.
“So he’s going to be one to really watch in the summer, especially if those contract talks continue to stall between him and Palace as well.
“Palace might be forced to cash in on him in the summer rather than risk allowing him to run down his contract and potentially leave on a free.”
AC Milan to be delighted by latest Mateta developments
Whilst the Eagles are set to be the biggest losers in the deadlock in contract talks, bidding suitors will be elated by the news.
Sources told Football Insider that AC Milan are interested in signing Mateta and are closely monitoring his ongoing contract situation.
The Rossoneri are looking to bolster their attack with summer signing Santiago Gimenez scoring just once so far this season in a disappointing debut campaign.
Moreover, sat at the top of the table after 13 games, Massimiliano Allegri will be eager to widen their lead in the Serie A by bringing in a ruthless finisher.