Juventus are pressing ahead in their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with negotiations expected to intensify after the Premier League side rejected the Bianconeri’s initial offer over the weekend. The French forward has become Juventus’ top attacking target in this transfer window, as the club look to strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s options up front.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Juventus made their first move with the player and his entourage before opening formal talks with Crystal Palace. Although their opening proposal was turned down, optimism remains high in Turin that an agreement can be found in the coming days as discussions continue over the structure and total cost of the deal.
The Possible Agreement
Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, with both sides open to compromise. Juventus had initially valued the player at around €30 million, while Crystal Palace were holding firm at €40 million. Negotiations are now focused on finding common ground, with a potential deal taking shape at approximately €33 million plus bonuses. The structure under discussion includes an initial loan and a mandatory purchase clause that would be triggered if Juventus qualify for European competition next season.
The transfer is viewed as very much alive, with intermediaries working tirelessly to bridge the remaining differences and bring the clubs closer to an agreement.
The Commission Issue
While talks with Crystal Palace progress, Juventus also have to address another obstacle — the high commission demands from Mateta’s representatives. Though not considered a deal-breaker, these figures have added complexity to the negotiations.
The club’s senior management team — comprising managing director Damien Comolli, his right-hand man Giorgio Chiellini, and sporting director Marco Ottolini — are determined to lower the overall cost of the operation, including agent fees. They aim to strike a deal that satisfies the needs of the squad without exceeding the financial boundaries set by the club.
