AC Milan Transfer News: Jackson and Mateta Targets

AC Milan transfer news takes a fresh twist as the Rossoneri widen their striker search beyond long-term objective Dusan Vlahovic and turn an inquisitive eye toward Premier League duo Nicolas Jackson and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Technical director Geoffrey Moncada and chief executive Giorgio Furlani are determined to bolster Stefano Pioli’s front line before the new Serie A campaign kicks off, and the latest scouting dossiers indicate a willingness to raid both Chelsea and Crystal Palace if Juventus refuse to lower their asking price for Vlahovic.

AC Milan transfer news shifts focus from Vlahovic to the Premier League

Despite months of dialogue with Juventus, Milan’s hierarchy remain unconvinced that the €70 million fee quoted for Vlahovic represents value. Wage demands exceeding €7 million net per season only exacerbate the hesitation. Consequently, the club’s recruitment unit has intensified data-led profiling of alternative centre-forwards who can stretch defences, press aggressively, and finish with composure—all at a sustainable cost.

Nicolas Jackson: raw pace and untapped ceiling

The 22-year-old Senegal international has endured a stop-start debut season at Chelsea, scoring 14 goals across all competitions yet drawing criticism for erratic finishing. Milan scouts, however, admire Jackson’s explosive acceleration, ability to run channels, and comfort dropping between the lines—traits Pioli prizes in his hybrid 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system. Chelsea, keen to trim their bloated squad and raise funds for Financial Fair Play compliance, would consider offers in the region of €35-40 million. Milan believe a structured deal with performance bonuses could make the transfer feasible.

Jean-Philippe Mateta: physical focal point with Bundesliga pedigree

Mateta, rejuvenated under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, has combined clinical finishing with intelligent hold-up play, registering 11 Premier League goals since January. The 26-year-old Frenchman stands 1.92 m tall, offers aerial prowess, and would give Milan a more traditional reference point than the mobile Jackson. Palace value him at €30 million, and the player’s salary—approximately €2.5 million per year—fits Milan’s wage structure comfortably.

Financial framework and squad dynamics

Owners RedBird Capital have authorised a net transfer spend of approximately €60 million for attacking reinforcements, but they insist on maintaining wage discipline. Divock Origi and Ante Rebic have already been moved off the books, while Luka Jović’s contract renewal remains uncertain. Consequently, the door is open for one marquee arrival accompanied by a versatile understudy.

How Jackson and Mateta match Pioli’s tactical blueprint

Pioli’s pressing principles rely on forwards who trigger pressure, protect the ball, and attack space behind the back line. Jackson ranks among the Premier League’s top ten forwards for progressive carries and sprints per 90 minutes, according to Opta data. Mateta, meanwhile, excels at winning aerial duels and linking midfield runners—key assets when Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic invert from wide areas.

Stat comparison: season 2023-24

• Jackson: 14 goals, 4 assists, 0.68 xG per 90, 29 presses per 90
• Mateta: 16 goals, 3 assists, 0.65 xG per 90, 23 presses per 90
• Vlahovic: 18 goals, 2 assists, 0.72 xG per 90, 18 presses per 90

While Vlahovic leads marginally in expected goals, Jackson’s pressing intensity and Mateta’s aerial dominance make them compelling, cost-effective candidates.

Negotiation landscape: Chelsea, Palace, and Juventus

Chelsea’s sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are open to creative payment structures, including loan-with-obligation formulas that defer costs. Palace chairman Steve Parish prefers straight cash but could be swayed by Milan’s reputation for developing players and Champions League exposure. Juventus remain firm on their valuation, yet sources in Turin concede that failure to qualify for Europe’s elite competition could force a rethink late in the window.

Youth integration and long-term planning

Milan also monitor academy graduate Francesco Camarda, who turns 17 in March and cannot be over-exposed to senior minutes. A signing such as Jackson, still young and mouldable, or Mateta, entering peak years, would provide breathing room while safeguarding the pathway for Camarda. Furthermore, Milan’s scouting cell continues to track Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, though Dutch sources insist he will stay in Rotterdam for at least one more season.

Potential ripple effects across Serie A

If Milan succeed in luring Jackson or Mateta, the move could spark a domino effect. Juventus might be forced to drop Vlahovic’s price to attract foreign offers. Chelsea, flush with funds, could accelerate their chase for a proven No. 9 like Victor Osimhen, whereas Palace would reinvest in a dynamic winger to complement Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. The Rossoneri’s decision therefore carries ramifications well beyond San Siro.

Timeline and next steps

Moncada is expected in London after the European Championships to open formal talks. Milan hope to have their new striker in place by late July, affording Pioli a full pre-season to integrate the signing into tactical drills and build chemistry with midfield creators Tijjani Reijnders and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

AC Milan transfer news conclusion

In summary, the latest AC Milan transfer news underscores a pragmatic shift: while Vlahovic remains admired, alternative profiles like Nicolas Jackson and Jean-Philippe Mateta align better with the club’s financial policy and tactical demands. Whether Milan opt for raw potential or proven physicality, the coming weeks will define the forward line that carries Scudetto ambitions into 2024-25.

Opinion

Opting for Jackson might prove the bolder, higher-ceiling move, but Mateta offers immediate reliability and a lower risk profile. Given Milan’s need to bridge a narrow gap to Inter, the Palace striker could be the shrewd compromise—though fans dreaming of a superstar may need convincing.