Jean-Philippe Mateta Will NOT Join AC Milan Following Double Medical Tests

Jean-Philippe Mateta will not be joining AC Milan after failing medical examinations. The Crystal Palace striker, 28, underwent double medical sessions in London and Paris on Monday. AC Milan discovered a significant knee issue requiring potential surgery that forced them to withdraw from the deal worth approximately €48 million. The collapse has triggered a domino effect across the transfer market, potentially impacting deals involving Jørgen Strand Larsen and other interconnected transfers.

Medical Failure and Knee Concerns

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan has fallen through after the striker failed to pass medical tests conducted by the Rossoneri. Initial medical checks in London on Sunday raised concerns, prompting AC Milan to request additional assessments in Paris on Monday.

According to reports, AC Milan requested further tests on Mateta’s knee, but the results did not provide the necessary assurances to finalize the transfer. The club made the decision to withdraw from the deal due to the severity of the knee issue discovered during the examinations.

Transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reported that Mateta’s knee problem is severe enough that he will likely require surgery and face at least three months sidelined. This discovery fundamentally changed AC Milan’s assessment of the player’s fitness and ability to contribute immediately.

Financial and Deal Details

The financial package was substantial, with AC Milan prepared to invest significant resources in securing Mateta’s services. However, the medical revelation rendered the deal unviable from the club’s perspective, leading to the immediate withdrawal.

The Domino Effect on Transfer Market

Mateta’s failed transfer has created significant complications across multiple clubs and pending transfers. The striker was part of a chain of interconnected deals that now face potential collapse.

Crystal Palace had agreed to sign Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton for £48 million to replace Mateta. Wolves, in turn, were planning to sign Adam Armstrong from Southampton for approximately £13 million. Southampton were simultaneously pursuing alternative options. With Mateta’s move to Milan now off, this entire chain has been disrupted, potentially halting all three transfers.

Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett highlighted the potential consequences: Like any housing chain, the concern now is that a number of deals may collapse on the back of Mateta’s failed move to AC Milan.

Mateta’s Crystal Palace History

Mateta has been a crucial player for Crystal Palace since joining on loan from Mainz in January 2021. He was subsequently signed permanently and has become an integral part of the club’s attacking setup. His 56 goals for the Eagles have contributed significantly to the club’s competitiveness in the Premier League.

AC Milan’s Ambitions

AC Milan had targeted Mateta as part of their strategy to bolster attacking options and challenge city rivals Inter Milan, whom they trail by eight points at the top of Serie A. The Italian giants saw the French striker as the perfect addition to their attacking arsenal during the crucial second half of the season.

The withdrawal from the Mateta deal represents a significant blow to their January reinforcement plans, forcing them to explore alternative options before the transfer window closes.

Potential Alternative Destinations

Following the AC Milan collapse, speculation has emerged regarding Mateta’s next destination. Juventus have reportedly expressed interest in a potential loan move for the Crystal Palace striker. Nottingham Forest were also said to be monitoring the situation.

However, Mateta now faces a race against time to secure an alternative move before the January transfer window concludes, while simultaneously dealing with the serious knee injury that requires investigation and potentially surgical intervention.

Crystal Palace’s Predicament

The failed transfer leaves Crystal Palace in a precarious position. Manager Oliver Glasner had excluded Mateta from the squad for their match against Nottingham Forest in anticipation of his departure. With the forward potentially remaining at Selhurst Park, the club faces an awkward situation regarding his reintegration.

Additionally, Crystal Palace’s recruitment plans have been upended, as they were counting on the AC Milan fee to fund the Strand Larsen transfer. Glasner’s own future at the club has become uncertain, adding to the complicated circumstances.

Timeline of Events

The transfer saga developed rapidly over the final 48 hours of the January window. Initial medical examinations in London on Sunday raised red flags, prompting AC Milan to conduct additional assessments in Paris on Monday. By Monday afternoon, AC Milan had made the definitive decision to withdraw from the deal entirely.

Read More: Official: Crystal Palace Sign Jørgen Strand Larsen for £50m Package from Wolves

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