At one point last week, it seemed like Milan would definitely sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.
They seemed to have beaten Nottingham Forest in the race, as an agreement was reached with the Eagles and the Frenchman. The 28-year-old appeared very keen on the transfer, with Juventus having previously failed to seal a deal.
Now, problems are appearing in the deal. Initially, talk suggested it was all down to medicals and Mateta’s dodgy knee. But increasingly, it seems to be an issue around
commissions and demands from the player’s agent. This was a key reason why Juve had backed out, as they didn’t want to give in to his entourage’s demands.
Even if the deal poses problems – especially this late in the window, Milan simply have to sign the player.
Premier League player at his peak
It is rare to see Italian clubs sign players from the Premier League when they are at their peak. When it happens, it goes very well.
This happened when Napoli roped in Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The two have won titles with the Partenopei. Milan themselves signed Fikayo Tomori and Christian Pulisic, with the defender having won Serie A.
Mateta is of a similar profile. He has done very well for Crystal Palace in the last two seasons, taking them to Europe and winning them silverware.
Right age and personality
Largely, only two strikers have largely broken the Milan number nine curse. These have been Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They were older, much proven entities in the game and had a personality to match.
Mateta is not as old but he also carries an aura about himself which screams dominance. He is experienced and has taken on the job of dragging Palace up very well. He has been amongst the goals often, becoming a leader of the side after a difficult period before Oliver Glasner took over.
The tag of becoming Milan’s number nine comes with a lot of pressure. There are expectations that come with it, especially if the fee is major. Only experienced campaigners can thrive and Mateta is clearly one.
Mateta fits Allegri’s system
Max Allegri’s system has always had towering centre-forwards who have a nose for goal and beyond finding the net, link up play.
The current setup demands that profile specifically. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao thrive when they have a striker who links up, lets them run with the ball, makes off-the-ball moves and finishes chances. The two like to drift inside but Mateta is no stranger to that. He played infront of two number tens at Crystal Palace under Glasner.
Physically, he is a specimen that Allegri is likely to love. A deal does look complex now but even if it takes paying up extra, it would make sense for Milan.
