Milan deal for Crystal Palace striker Mateta has fallen through

The latest updates in Italy claim that Milan’s deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has fallen through in the final hours of the January transfer window. 

Sky: Mateta to Milan deal is now off

Milan have been attempting to close a deal for Mateta over the last few days of the January transfer window. 

The Rossoneri agreed a fee in excess of €30m with Crystal Palace, the South London outfit had reached an agreement for Mateta’s replacement – Jorgen Strand Larsen – and the Frenchman has also had his customary medical checks ahead of an expected move to San Siro. 

However, according to updates on Sunday evening, the transfer had stalled due to issues that were reported during Mateta’s medical. 

There had been suggestions that there was an underlying issue with the striker’s knee. In response, Milan have sent their own medics to take a further look at the matter. 

Milan have history in this respect: Nigeria international Victor Boniface flew out to Italy for a medical with the Rossoneri during the summer transfer window, but was later told to return home after concerns surrounding his knee, specifically with his history of cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. 

Now, according to the latest updates in Italy, Mateta has met the same fate. 

Sky Sport Italia reports that negotiations between Milan and Crystal Palace have now ‘definitively’ broken down. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, this decision was taken as a result of the latest round of medical checks.

This may be good news for Juventus, however, who have also been linked with a last-minute move for the Palace man on their hunt for a new striker on deadline day.