- AC Milan joined in race for Crystal Palace star Mateta
- French frontman has a year left on contract
- Oliver Glasner has asked for him at the San Siro
Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to be linked with a Crystal Palace exit, and AC Milan isn’t the only club in the race for the French striker. Mateta’s future is uncertain as he heads into the final year of his contract.
According to Turkish outlet Yenicag, Besiktas are also now eyeing Mateta, who is headed to the World Cup with France. They have “firmly set their sights” on him and want him to be part of their reshaped frontline.
Mateta is a top transfer target for the Turkish giants, who finished fourth in the Super Lig last season. He nearly left Selhurst Park in January but failed a medical ahead of a proposed £30m switch to Milan.
Besiktas join Milan in Mateta race
Mateta won fans back over after returning from a knee injury and reclaiming his starting berth in Oliver Glasner’s side. He bagged 16 goals in 50 games across competitions, including the winner in a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League final.
If the Frenchman were to leave Palace, a move to Milan would look the likeliest outcome. Not least because Glasner is the frontrunner to replace Massimiliano Allegri at the San Siro.
Reports claim that the former Eagles boss has already named Mateta as a player he’d want to sign for the Italian outfit. The pair hold a strong relationship from their time together in South London.
Destination unknown
It’s hard to imagine that Besiktas will be Mateta’s preference, given they like the South Londoners will be in the Europa League. Staying at Palace and signing a new deal can’t be ruled out..
The Turks are the latest club to plot a move for the former Mainz frontman. Tottenham Hotspur reportedly registered their interest last September, while Fenerbahce were in the picture in January.
Milan are joined in the race for Mateta by their Serie A rivals Juventus. He had been on the Old Lady’s shortlist during the winter, and they view him as a concrete option this summer.
Any decision over the French striker will likely come after the World Cup. The expected arrival of Pierre Sage as Glasner’s successor could change the situation, should he be eager to keep his compatriot at Selhurst Park.
