Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan has collapsed after concerns emerged during his medical assessment, bringing an abrupt end to negotiations between the clubs.
The France international, who has been managing a knee problem, underwent an initial medical in London on Sunday before completing further tests on Monday. Following the results, AC Milan decided to withdraw from the £30 million deal, despite Mateta’s desire to leave Selhurst Park.
Palace had been reluctant to sanction Mateta’s departure without securing a replacement first. However, once an agreement was reached to sign Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen for £48 million, the London club granted Mateta permission to proceed with his medical ahead of a planned move to Italy.
Mateta, 28, has also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, who saw a £35 million bid rejected by Palace last weekend.
Speaking after Palace’s 1-1 draw against Forest on Sunday, manager Oliver Glasner admitted uncertainty around the club’s striking options as the transfer deadline approaches.
“I expect either Mateta or someone else here as a striker,” Glasner said. “Everyone is working extremely hard, but it’s very late in the window, which makes things difficult. Worst case, we sell Mateta and no one comes in — then it’s not a good window for Palace.”
Meanwhile, Wolves are already lining up a replacement for Strand Larsen and are close to completing a move for Southampton striker Adam Armstrong. The deal is expected to be worth an initial £7 million, with optimism growing that it will be completed before the deadline.
Armstrong, also 28, has scored 11 Championship goals this season and has netted 43 times for Southampton since joining from Blackburn Rovers in 2021. Wolves, currently bottom of the Premier League table, are eager to strengthen as they battle to avoid relegation.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace have shown late interest in Everton winger Dwight McNeil. The 26-year-old is currently out of favour at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Palace are exploring a potential move.
McNeil has registered one assist in 14 Premier League appearances this season, with Everton reportedly valuing the winger at around £20 million.
