The latest updates from Italy claim that AC Milan’s deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has collapsed in the final hours of the January transfer window.
Milan attempted to finalize the move for Mateta during the closing days of the January transfer market.
The Rossoneri had agreed on a fee of over €30 million with Crystal Palace, while the South London club had already reached an agreement for Mateta’s replacement — Jørgen Strand Larsen — and the French striker had also undergone the routine medical examinations ahead of an expected move to San Siro.
However, according to Sunday evening updates, the transfer was blocked due to issues that reportedly emerged during Mateta’s medical checks.
There were suggestions of an underlying problem with the striker’s knee. In response, Milan sent their own medical staff to further assess the situation.
Milan have previous experience in similar cases: Nigeria international Victor Boniface had traveled to Italy for medical examinations with the Rossoneri during the summer transfer window, only to return home after concerns arose regarding his knee, specifically due to a history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
Now, according to the latest updates from Italy, Mateta has suffered the same fate.
Sky Sport Italia reports that negotiations between Milan and Crystal Palace have now been “definitively” terminated.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the decision was made following the latest round of medical examinations.
This could be good news for Juventus, however, who have also been linked with a last-minute move for the Palace striker as they search for a new forward on the final day of the transfer window.
