Report Mateta transfer to Milan on standby despite agreement

The latest updates in Italy claim that Milan’s deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is currently on stand-by despite an agreement between the two clubs for the Frenchman’s transfer. 

According to reports earlier on Sunday, Crystal Palace have found an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen, which means that they are now willing to let Mateta leave before the end of the January transfer window. 

According to the Athletic, the Frenchman is having his medical with the Rossoneri on Sunday ahead of a move that will cost above €30m. 

However, according to the latest updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, the deal has hit a standstill, as Milan still have some clearing up to do in their current attacking department. 

Christopher Nkunku was expected to leave Milan in order to facilitate Mateta’s arrival, however, the former Chelsea and RB Leipzig man has reportedly made it clear that he has no desire to leave San Siro just over six months after he signed. Additionally, Santiago Gimenez is expected to return from injury before long. 

They add to an attacking department that already includes January signing Niclas Fullkrug, as well as Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, who have both played as centre-forwards in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 this season. 

According to Di Marzio, these are ‘hours of reflection’ for Milan, who are currently ‘uncertain’ as to whether the Mateta deal will be finalised before the close of the transfer window.