AC Milan’s reported £35m bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Nottingham Forest also prepared to meet the fee, increases the likelihood of a deadline-day move. Punters should expect shorter odds on Mateta joining Milan or Forest, Palace’s under-1.5 goals markets to shorten if he leaves, and shifting striker markets for Palace (target Jorgen Strand Larsen) to react sharply to any confirmation.
AC Milan lodge £35m bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta
AC Milan has offered £35m for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the physical forward. The proposal underlines Mateta’s rising profile after a productive spell in the Premier League and puts Palace in the centre of a transfer tug of war.
Possible loan-to-obligation structure
Milan are reportedly prepared to accelerate the move into January if they can clear space in their squad. The club could arrange an initial loan with a compulsory £35m obligation to buy in the summer, contingent on offloading or loaning out Christopher Nkunku.
Nottingham Forest remain in the race
Nottingham Forest are also prepared to meet the £35m valuation, keeping the race highly competitive. Palace appear likely to stall any decision until after a head-to-head meeting with Forest, with the final choice potentially coming on Deadline Day.
Palace insist on securing a replacement first
Crystal Palace are keen to bring in a like-for-like forward before sanctioning Mateta’s exit. While Evann Guessand has arrived on loan from Aston Villa, he is viewed more as a winger than a direct Mateta-style centre-forward. Palace have identified Jorgen Strand Larsen as a target, but that pursuit remains uncertain and face competition from other clubs, including Leeds.
Squad balance and tactical risks
Selling Mateta without a proven replacement would leave Palace light on hold-up play and physical presence up front, increasing the risk of a goal drought. The timing of any sale is therefore as important as the fee, with Palace balancing financial sense against immediate survival concerns.
Deadline Day drama likely
With multiple parties offering the same valuation, this transfer looks set to be governed by timing and contingency moves elsewhere. Watch for late loan-to-buy proposals and dependent swaps that could push the deal into the final hours of the window.
What this means for bettors and markets
If Mateta’s move looks imminent, expect market shifts:
- Shorter odds for Mateta to sign for Milan or Forest.
- Palace match markets may shorten on under 1.5 goals if he departs without a like-for-like replacement.
- Betting interest in Palace signing a striker (Jorgen Strand Larsen) will spike, affecting transfer props.
- Markets tied to Milan’s goalscoring and squad depth could react if Nkunku’s movement unlocks the deal.
Conclusion
A £35m valuation has placed Mateta at the centre of one of the window’s liveliest races. Palace’s insistence on securing a replacement means the outcome hinges on parallel moves — and on Deadline Day theatrics — with clear tactical and betting ramifications depending on which club ultimately lands the striker. AC Milan table £35m bid for Jean Philippe Mateta as Palace weigh options
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