Jean-Philippe Mateta's move to AC Milan OFF

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s £30m move to AC Milan is now off after the Serie A side decided not to proceed with the transfer, following further scheduled medical examination on Monday.

Mateta had been slated for a move away from the Premier League on the transfer Deadline Day, but Milan, who were leading contenders for the Frenchman’s signature, have finally pulled out of the deal.

The 28-year-old expressed his desire to move on from Palace, with several suitors, both in the Premier League and abroad, including Manchester United, AC Milan, and Juventus showing interest in signing the French international.

Juventus have been monitoring Milan’s deal for Mateta, and are keen on taking the player on loan with an option to buy, which cannot yet be ruled out before Monday’s deadline.

Meanwhile, Palace have already taken steps to replace Mateta by agreeing a deal with Wolves for the signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is expected to finalise his move to Selhurst Park.

The Eagles would pay a guaranteed fee of £43 million plus £5 million in add-ons for the Norwegian international, with his medicals already completed on Monday.

According to Sky Sports, Mateta’s failed move to AC Milan will not distract Palace from completing the deal for Strand Larsen, as they still plan to proceed with their club-record £48m move to sign the 25-year-old from Wolves.

The report further indicates that Wolves, in turn, will complete their transfer for Adam Armstrong for £7 million plus £2 million from Southampton to replace him.

Things could take a different turn now that Mateta’s deal with Milan has fallen through. Palace could decide against going ahead with the Strand Larsen deal, with Mateta back in the fold.

As is widely known in the Premier League, a deal is not finalised until the contracts are signed and registered. This creates a new twist to the tale as the final hours of the Deadline Day transfer troops in.