Jean-Philippe Mateta: Juventus linked with move for Crystal Palace and France forward

Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French-DR Congo centre-forward currently at Crystal Palace, is being linked with a move to Serie A side Juventus as the Italian club explore options to strengthen their attack.

The 29-year-old, who is under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, is valued at around €30m and would not be available on a free, meaning any deal is likely to require a substantial fee. Juventus are understood to be assessing strikers with proven records in major European leagues, with Mateta’s profile fitting that brief.

Mateta has been a key part of Palace’s rise in recent seasons, helping the club to silverware including the 2025 FA Cup and the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League title. Since moving to the Premier League from Mainz, initially on loan in January 2021 before a permanent €11m switch a year later, he has scored 50 goals in 162 Premier League appearances.

On the European stage this term, he featured regularly in Palace’s Conference League campaign, making 12 appearances and contributing two goals and three assists as the club went on to lift the trophy. Internationally, he also claimed a silver medal with France’s Olympic team in 2024.

Palace face a decision over whether to cash in on Mateta with one year left on his deal after the coming season, or seek to extend his stay in south London. For now, the forward remains contracted to the Premier League club, with Juventus monitoring his situation ahead of the next transfer window.