Jean-Philippe Mateta has agreed personal terms with AC Milan, but Crystal Palace will not allow him to leave until they secure a replacement, potentially Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen
Jean-Philippe Mateta is not happy at Crystal Palace (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta has posted a cryptic message on social media after his £30m move to AC Milan stalled. Mateta, 28, has agreed a contract with Milan but is awaiting permission to travel to Italy.
This comes despite Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirming that Mateta will not be part of the squad for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest. The Frenchman announced his intention to leave Selhurst Park last week and it is no secret that he is dreaming of linking up with the Italian giants with an offer of Champions League football.
However, reports say Palace will only let Mateta go if they secure a replacement before the transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday. Milan believe they have reached an agreement in principle with Palace, who have been in talks with Wolves to sign Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Mateta appears to be growing dissatisfied with the club’s attitude. On Saturday night, the France international shared an Instagram Story that contained only an angry face emoji.
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Mateta also does not follow Palace on Instagram. His bio says “Ils comprendront un jour,” which means “someday they will understand.”
His post is the latest in a series of dramatic events involving Palace this month. Glasner, who sold captain Marc Gehi to Manchester City in a deal worth up to £30 million, attacked the hierarchy at the club in a press conference.
Peace talks will take place and the Austrian will remain in charge until the end of the season. However, Glasner previously revealed he would not sign a new contract and would leave Selhurst Park when his current contract expires in June.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta posts an emoji on Instagram (Image: Instagram/iammateta)
He wants to join AC Milan (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
As for Mateta’s future, he said on Friday: “It has nothing to do with the transfer. He just isn’t in the right place and doesn’t feel he’s in the right place to play. We have to protect the team and protect him. He’s not going to go to Nottingham with us.”
Glassner added: “Again, there’s so much noise, so much speculation, so much going on. We need all our players to be at their best, and he’s not at his best right now because of all the noise that’s going on.”
“Maybe it’s the noise of football, but if someone has personal problems and can’t concentrate on football, there’s no point in playing. He can’t help the team or perform at the top level.”
“We decided it was better not to play him. We have to be prepared in case something happens.”
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