Juventus continue to keep a close eye on Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the French striker now emerging as a concrete target for the club’s attack. However, a move is unlikely to materialise in the current transfer window, as Crystal Palace are unwilling to let him go easily — and the Bianconeri’s financial flexibility remains limited this January.
IlBiancnonero report that, during recent contacts, Juventus reiterated their interest in the 27-year-old forward, who has become one of Palace’s reliable attacking options. The London club, though, reportedly asked for Jonathan David to be included in a direct swap deal — a proposal Juventus immediately turned down.
A Summer Target in the Making
The appeal of Mateta lies in his physicality and profile as a traditional centre-forward, attributes Juve may well need in the summer as Dusan Vlahovic’s contract situation approaches a critical stage. With the Serbian striker expected to depart on a free transfer, the club are already planning for a future without him.
In that scenario, Juventus envisage a forward setup featuring David — versatile enough to operate as a second striker — alongside a more structured number nine like Mateta. The Frenchman would not necessarily replace David but rather complement him, giving the team tactical variety and greater attacking depth.
Juventus’ Response and Future Plans
While Crystal Palace’s initial demand for a player exchange was firmly rejected, discussions are expected to continue in the coming months. Mateta, whose contract runs until 2027, will enter his final year next season, and the forward has already expressed a desire to take the next step in his career, possibly joining a Champions League side.
A Possible ‘Creative’ Formula
Juventus and Crystal Palace have maintained open lines of communication, exploring potential avenues for a deal that could work for both clubs. Current estimates suggest that Palace would seek at least €30 million to part ways with their striker — a figure too high for Juve to meet in January.
However, the Bianconeri could explore alternative mechanisms, such as including a different player in the exchange or agreeing on a temporary deal with an obligation to buy in the summer. Much may depend on the flexibility of both sporting directors, as Marco Ottolini and Damien Comolli assess how best to structure a creative transfer.
