Mateta Tops AC Milan Transfer Wishlist

AC Milan transfer plans are gathering pace as the Rossoneri identify Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as a prime summer target, signalling a bold push to add firepower before Stefano Pioli’s side return to Champions League action.

AC Milan transfer focus turns to Premier League poacher

Milan have spent months analysing data and scouting Europe’s most in-form forwards. According to sources close to Casa Milan, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and chief scout Antonio D’Ottavio were wowed by Mateta’s explosive finish to the 2023-24 campaign, in which the 26-year-old plundered 17 goals across all competitions for Crystal Palace. Those numbers place him among the Premier League’s most efficient finishers, and Milan believe his athletic frame, clever movement and pressing intensity align perfectly with Pioli’s high-octane style.

Player eager to swap Selhurst Park for San Siro

While many continental rumours quickly fizzle out, this one has legs. Mateta, GOAL understands, has already informed his representatives that a switch to San Siro is his priority. The Frenchman’s camp opened informal talks with Milan executives during the international break. Crucially, Palace hold a gentleman’s agreement allowing Mateta to explore Champions League opportunities should a suitable bid arrive—believed to be in the €25-30 million range.

Why Milan see Mateta as the ideal Giroud successor

Olivier Giroud’s impending move to Los Angeles FC leaves Milan devoid of a traditional No. 9 capable of bullying centre-backs and finishing crosses. Mateta, who stands 1.92 m, offers a familiar aerial outlet yet possesses greater top-speed than the veteran World Cup winner. Analytics show the former Mainz striker ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes received and in the 88th percentile for pressures among Premier League forwards—metrics Milan value highly.

Financial landscape of the proposed AC Milan transfer

RedBird Capital and club CEO Giorgio Furlani are ready to sanction a significant outlay, but sustainability remains the buzzword. An offer structure of €22 million plus €3 million in easy add-ons is being prepared, with performance bonuses tied to Serie A goals and Champions League progression. Palace, under new boss Oliver Glasner, prefer a straight-cash deal to reinvest quickly, yet insiders say they will not stand in Mateta’s way if the player pushes.

Competition from Bundesliga and Ligue 1

RB Leipzig and Olympique Lyonnais have registered interest, attracted by Mateta’s familiarity with German and French football. However, Milan provide the dual allure of a global brand and immediate Champions League exposure. Sources close to the player stress that, while Leipzig can match wages, the striker’s heart is already set on wearing the Rossoneri shirt once donned by Marco van Basten and Filippo Inzaghi.

Tactical fit: how Mateta transforms Pioli’s frontline

Pioli oscillated between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 last term. In both shapes, the central striker must initiate the high press, link play and dominate inside the box. Mateta’s heat maps reveal extensive work in the right-half space, dovetailing beautifully with Rafael Leão’s left-wing surges. His instinctive near-post runs provide an extra dimension to Christian Pulisic’s whipped deliveries, while his hold-up play can free Tijjani Reijnders to shoot from distance. Analysts inside Milanello predict a 15-goal Serie A haul is realistic in year one, a figure that could tilt tight title races.

What the move means for Palace

For Crystal Palace, losing their in-form scorer is a blow, yet sporting director Dougie Freedman has contingency plans. Coventry starlet Ellis Simms and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy are on a short-list to replace the Frenchman. Milan’s structured bid would also enable the Eagles to strengthen multiple areas, continuing Glasner’s dynamic rebuild.

Historic ties strengthen the AC Milan transfer pursuit

Milan’s relationship with Palace may appear thin, but directors from both clubs developed rapport during the 2022 loan discussions for Tiemoué Bakayoko. Additionally, Mateta’s agent, Jonathan Kebe, has previously brokered successful Serie A moves, smoothing negotiations. The Rossoneri hierarchy are confident a deal can be closed before pre-season kicks off in early July, allowing the new striker to integrate during the American tour.

Fan sentiment and shirt-sales potential

Supporters on Milan twitter communities (#SempreMilan, #ForzaMateta) have embraced the rumor, citing the forward’s flamboyant goal celebrations and physical approach as “pure Calcio.” Marketing executives estimate Mateta’s arrival could shift 60,000 jerseys in the opening quarter, rivalling Zlatan Ibrahimović’s second-coming spike.

Roadblocks that could derail the transfer

Yet caution is prudent. Palace may demand a sell-on clause or performance escalators that inflate long-term cost. Brexit-era taxation also means Mateta’s salary—projected at €3.5 million net—carries a higher gross burden than domestic signings. Furthermore, Serie A’s non-EU quota is tight; Milan would likely need to offload Fodé Balló-Touré or Alexis Saelemaekers to free a slot.

Alternative targets on Milan’s radar

Should talks stall, Milan have lined up Lille sensation Jonathan David and Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán. However, neither profile offers the same blend of affordability, physicality and immediate readiness Mateta brings. That reality keeps the Palace man atop the wish list.

Timeline: when AC Milan transfer watchers should expect movement

• Late June: Formal offer dispatched to Palace.
• Early July: Player scheduled for medical in Milan, contingent on agreement.
• Mid-July: Rossoneri unveil Mateta during San Siro fan day.
• August: Potential Serie A debut versus Bologna.

Scouting report: strengths and weaknesses

Strengths
– Dominant aerial presence
– Quick acceleration over first 10 metres
– High defensive work-rate

Weaknesses
– First touch can be heavy
– Occasionally drifts offside
– Limited experience in build-up systems as a false nine

Milan’s coaching staff believe technical refinement sessions with Marco Landucci can polish those rough edges.

What the experts say

Italian pundit Luca Serafini told Sky Sport, “Mateta is not just a battering ram. His underlying numbers scream modern striker.” Meanwhile, former Palace defender Damien Delaney warned, “The Premier League is unforgiving, and Jean-Philippe conquered it. Serie A defences won’t intimidate him.”

Author’s verdict

In my view, this AC Milan transfer is a calculated swing that could pay immediate dividends. Mateta ticks tactical, financial and marketing boxes while bridging the gap between youth prospects and elite veterans. If the Rossoneri close the deal swiftly, Pioli’s side will possess a front-line capable of challenging Inter’s Scudetto grip.