Milan move for unhappy Mateta under threat as Crystal Palace struggle to find replacement

Milan’s pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta has hit a fresh obstacle as Crystal Palace struggle to line up a replacement for the French striker.

Talks between the two clubs had been progressing, with Milan identifying Mateta as a profile capable of adding physicality and depth to their attacking department.

However, Palace are now reluctant to give the green light to any departure until they secure a suitable alternative up front, as per Sky Sport Italia.

The Premier League side are wary of weakening their squad mid-season, especially with limited time left in the window and a thin market for proven centre-forwards.

The Eagles completed a loan move For Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand on Friday but the London club likely want a more substantial replacement before letting their star forward leave.

As a result, negotiations have slowed, leaving Milan waiting to see whether conditions can change in the coming days.

For the Rossoneri, Mateta remains a concrete target, but the deal now depends less on financial terms and more on Palace’s ability to solve their own attacking needs first.

A breakthrough is still possible, though the situation has become significantly more complicated.

Mateta, meanwhile, is unhappy with the situation. Taking to Instagram to vent his frustration with a story featuring a very stroppy emoji.