Juventus are preparing one last, decisive move to prise Jean-Philippe Mateta away from Crystal Palace, with the Serie A giants hoping to resolve the striker’s future before turning their attention elsewhere in the market.
The Turin club have identified the French international of DR Congolese descent as a priority addition and are eager to complete a deal swiftly.
The 28-year-old forward, for his part, is understood to be keen on the switch, viewing a move to Juventus as the ideal next step in his career. However, negotiations have reached a critical impasse, with Crystal Palace unwilling to soften their stance.
According to reports in Italy, Palace are demanding a fee of at least €30 million to sanction a January sale. Juventus, by contrast, are pushing for a loan-to-buy structure, a compromise the Premier League side has so far resisted.
That difference in valuation and structure has stalled talks, leaving both clubs facing a pivotal day in discussions.
Despite the deadlock, Mateta has made his intentions clear behind the scenes. While he has not submitted a formal written transfer request, Mateta has verbally informed Palace of his desire to leave, adding pressure to an already delicate situation.
Juventus are hoping that willingness from the player will help unlock a breakthrough, but they are also preparing contingency plans.
Palace’s resolve is rooted in timing as much as price. With limited time remaining in the window, losing a central striker without a guaranteed replacement would be a significant gamble. That reality explains the club’s reluctance to accept anything other than a substantial, immediate commitment.
Competition remains in the background. Aston Villa are monitoring developments closely, although indications suggest Mateta’s preference is a move to Turin rather than a domestic switch. Juventus are aware, however, that prolonged negotiations could open the door for rivals if Palace decide to explore alternative suitors.
Should no agreement be reached, Juventus are ready to pivot. Attention would quickly shift to Fenerbahce forward Youssef En-Nesyri, another attacker admired by the club and also attracting interest from Villa and Serie A rivals Napoli. That option underlines the urgency surrounding today’s talks.
