Jean-Philippe Mateta has officially informed Crystal Palace that he wants to leave the club this month, according to the latest reports from Ben Jacobs.
The French striker, who has been a rare bright spark in a difficult season for the Eagles, has reportedly told the board he has no plans to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park.
Mateta had prioritized a move to Serie A at Juventus, but the Italian giants are understood to have rejected his first offer.
Juventus proposed a loan deal with a conditional buyout obligation linked to European qualification, but Palace quickly rejected this offer.
The south London club are adamant about a permanent sale, valuing their star forward at around £40m.
With the player looking to leave, the club face a race against time to secure a replacement before the window slams shut.
Chelsea and Aston Villa have also been linked with Jean-Philippe Mateta
Competition for Mateta is fierce, with Chelsea among the clubs interested in the player.
According to reports, the Blues have contacted the player’s agent to explore a deal as Liam Rosenior looks to strengthen his attacking options.
Chelsea are investing heavily in young players and Mateta’s physicality, which he demonstrated in the Premier League, is seen as a very valuable profile for the second half of the season.
Aston Villa continue to be talked about. Unai Emery’s side have been trying to sign Tammy Abraham from Besiktas for the past few days, but with talks stalled over a transfer fee, Villa have turned their attention to Mateta.
The Frenchman is seen as an ideal replacement should Abraham’s deal fail to cross the line.
Crystal Palace January nightmare continues
Mateta’s transfer request is the latest blow in what has been a nightmare January for Crystal Palace.
Earlier this month, the club lost captain Marc Gehi, who completed a move to Manchester City.
As a result, manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that he will not remain with the club beyond this season.
Glassner’s announcement was followed by an explosive post-match tirade against the club’s ownership, in which he accused the board of “abandoning” the players.
Following a string of poor results and Macclesfield’s shock FA Cup exit, the managerial relationship appears to have reached a breaking point and the club’s future is in complete turmoil.
