Juventus Pursue Mateta As Crystal Palace Hold Firm

Juventus have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as the January transfer window heats up, sparking a flurry of speculation and negotiations across Europe. The Bianconeri, led by head coach Luciano Spalletti, have made no secret of their desire to bolster their attacking options as they prepare for a striking transition—one that could define their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

The Italian giants initiated preliminary talks with Crystal Palace in mid-January, with multiple sources confirming that Juventus made an official inquiry about the 28-year-old French striker. Mateta, who has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in the Premier League, has become one of the division’s most reliable forwards. His performances have not only earned him a place in the France national team—scoring two goals in three appearances since his debut in October 2025—but also put him firmly on the radar of top European clubs.

Juventus’ urgency stems from the anticipated departure of Dusan Vlahovic, their Serbian striker whose contract runs out in June 2026. With no extension in sight and Vlahovic currently sidelined by injury, Spalletti has given the recruitment team the green light to pursue Mateta. The idea is to secure a new centre-forward who can adapt quickly to the demands of Serie A and the club’s tactical expectations. Bringing Mateta in during the January window would allow him six months to settle before the start of the next season—a luxury not often afforded in the high-pressure world of elite football.

But Juventus’ pursuit has hit a few bumps. Crystal Palace, determined to maintain their competitive edge as they chase European qualification and Europa Conference League success, are reluctant to let go of their leading scorer mid-season. According to reports from both sides of the Channel, Palace have set a high bar for negotiations. British sources suggest they are holding out for a fee in excess of £35 million (€40 million), while some Italian outlets estimate the price tag could climb to €50 million. Palace’s resolve is further strengthened by their recent history—after a £35 million move for captain Marc Guehi to Liverpool collapsed last summer, the club is keen to avoid losing key assets for less than their market value.

Palace’s stance has forced Juventus to weigh their options carefully. The Bianconeri reportedly rejected a proposed swap deal involving Canadian striker Jonathan David, making it clear they want to retain their own attacking depth. David, along with Lois Openda, has struggled to make a significant impact since arriving in Turin, combining for just four Serie A goals so far. Spalletti’s desire for a proven, physical centre-forward has only intensified as a result.

Meanwhile, Mateta’s contract situation adds another layer of intrigue. While some reports indicate his deal at Selhurst Park runs until June 2027, it’s clear the striker has been hesitant to sign an extension, preferring to assess his options as interest mounts from Italy and beyond. AC Milan are also said to be tracking the Frenchman, underscoring his growing reputation on the continent.

Mateta’s numbers this season speak for themselves. He has netted eight goals in 21 Premier League appearances, cementing his status as Palace’s go-to man up front. His overall tally stands at 10 goals in 32 matches across all competitions, a return that helped the Eagles claim both the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2025. Not bad for a player who, just a year ago, was still fighting to prove his worth in the English top flight.

Crystal Palace are not standing still either. As Mateta’s future hangs in the balance, the club is close to securing the services of 19-year-old French forward Sidiki Cherif from Angers. Cherif, who has scored four goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season, is viewed as a long-term investment rather than an immediate replacement. Palace’s willingness to reinforce their squad, even as they fight to keep hold of their stars, highlights the club’s ambition under chairman Steve Parish and manager Oliver Glasner.

Yet the winds of change are blowing through Selhurst Park. In a candid statement, Glasner confirmed that he will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer of 2026. "I had a meeting in October with Steve Parish. We had dinner and a long talk. I told him I will not sign a new contract for Crystal Palace. We agreed it was best to keep it between us, confidentially, and we did for three months. I told the team today. It’s now important to have clarity. I don’t want to have this question. We had a very busy schedule. We want the same, me and Steve. Steve has no ego. Oliver Glasner has no ego, we want what is best for Palace. It’s important to have clarity, this is what the players deserve, this is what fans deserve, that’s why I tell it today," Glasner explained, offering insight into the club’s leadership transition.

Palace's squad is already bracing for another significant departure, as captain Marc Guehi is set to join Manchester City for a reported £20 million fee. Guehi has withdrawn from the squad to face Sunderland, signaling the end of his time in South London. The simultaneous loss of both Guehi and Mateta would be a massive blow to Palace’s ambitions, risking a mid-season unraveling just as European qualification comes into focus.

For Juventus, the decision now revolves around timing and finances. The club is mulling whether to push ahead with a January bid or wait until the summer, when Palace might be more amenable to a deal. Either way, the Bianconeri know they will have to "splash the cash" to meet both Palace’s demands and Mateta’s wage expectations.

As the transfer window rumbles on, the Mateta saga encapsulates the high-stakes chess game that defines European football’s mid-season market. Will Juventus make their move now, or play the long game and wait for summer? And can Crystal Palace hold their nerve as rivals circle their prized assets? One thing is certain: the next few weeks promise plenty of drama for fans on both sides of the Channel.

With negotiations ongoing and no final agreement yet in place, all eyes remain fixed on Turin and South London. The outcome could reshape the fortunes of two ambitious clubs as they chase success at home and abroad.