Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has taken to social media to vent his frustration after his proposed £30 million transfer to Italian giants AC Milan hit a significant roadblock. The 28-year-old French international has agreed personal terms with Milan and is eager to complete the move, but Palace are refusing to sanction his departure until they secure a replacement striker.
Transfer Stalemate Leaves Mateta Fuming
Despite manager Oliver Glasner confirming that Mateta won't be included in Palace's squad for Sunday's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, the club's hierarchy are standing firm on their position. Multiple reports indicate that Palace will only allow Mateta to leave if they can bring in a replacement before Monday's 7pm transfer deadline, with Wolves' Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen emerging as their primary target.
Cryptic Social Media Messages
Mateta's growing frustration became evident on Saturday night when he posted an Instagram story containing only an angry-face emoji. The striker, who no longer follows Crystal Palace on the platform, has a bio that reads "Ils comprendront un jour" - French for "They will understand one day." This cryptic message appears to be directed at Palace's decision-makers as the transfer window rapidly approaches its conclusion.
Palace's Replacement Strategy
AC Milan believe they have reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace for Mateta's transfer, but the London club's insistence on securing a replacement first has created an impasse. Palace have held talks with Wolves regarding Jorgen Strand Larsen, viewing the Norwegian as a suitable replacement should Mateta complete his move to Serie A.
Managerial Tensions at Selhurst Park
This transfer saga represents the latest chapter in what has been a turbulent month for Crystal Palace. The club recently sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City in a deal worth up to £30 million, prompting manager Oliver Glasner to publicly criticise the club's hierarchy during a press conference.
Although peace talks were subsequently held and Glasner is expected to remain in charge until the end of the season, the Austrian manager has already confirmed he won't be signing a new contract and will leave Selhurst Park when his current deal expires in June.
Glasner's Perspective on Mateta Situation
Speaking about Mateta's situation on Friday, Glasner explained: "It's nothing to do with the transfers, he is just not in the right place and doesn't feel in the right place to play. We have to protect the team and protect him, he will not travel with us to Nottingham."
The Palace manager added: "Again, there is so much noise, so much speculation, so many things going on. We need every single player at their best and he isn't at his best right now with all the noise that happens. It can be football noise, but if someone has private issues where they can't focus on football, then it makes no sense to play. He can't help the team and perform at his top level. We decided it is better not to play him. We have to prepare if something happens."
Mateta's Desire for Champions League Football
Mateta signalled his desire to leave Selhurst Park last week, with the attraction of Champions League football at AC Milan proving particularly compelling. The French striker, who has been a key figure for Palace in recent seasons, sees the move to Italy as a significant step forward in his career development.
As the transfer deadline looms, all parties involved face a race against time to resolve the situation. Crystal Palace must decide whether to risk keeping an unhappy player or push through a replacement signing, while Mateta waits anxiously for permission to travel to Italy and complete his dream move to one of Europe's most prestigious clubs.
