Mateta agrees terms with AC Milan
Jean-Philippe Mateta has agreed personal terms with AC Milan, described as his preferred destination, as Milan push to bring the Crystal Palace striker to Serie A. Milan had been working on a summer framework, but are now trying to complete the agreement immediately if Palace give the green light.
The deal is being discussed around €35m, with Milan accelerating negotiations to get it done in this window rather than waiting.
Why Palace’s decision depends on a replacement
Crystal Palace’s position is simple: they do not want to weaken their forward line mid-season unless a replacement is secured. Palace’s striker planning is directly connected to their attempt to sign Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a package discussed at £45m plus £5m add-ons.
That matters because the Strand Larsen deal has been described as delayed at points, which keeps Mateta’s potential exit on pause until Palace feel protected.
The domino effect: Strand Larsen first, then Mateta
In other words, the chain looks like this: Palace push to close Strand Larsen, Palace then decide whether to approve Mateta’s departure and Milan get their striker if Palace receive the final “yes”.
That is why the Mateta story cannot be read in isolation – it is tied to Palace’s recruitment plan and Wolves’ stance on the final structure.
Agency angle: Paul Latouche and Latouche Avocats
Mateta is represented by Paul Latouche, a Paris-based lawyer and licensed “mandataire sportif” operating through Latouche Avocats. It is a legal-led, boutique model that often becomes particularly influential when negotiations involve cross-border structures, timing constraints, and strict contract detail – exactly the type of environment a late-window striker move can create.
On the other hand, Strand Larsen is represented by TPSportManagement, a Norway-based player agency founded by Tore Pedersen. This deal has an interesting story: Wolves’ side of the negotiation is being advanced via Jorge Mendes and his Gestifute agency.
AC Milan have the player-side agreement in place, but the final step is Crystal Palace approving the sale – and that hinges on whether Palace can secure their striker plan, with Strand Larsen remaining the key variable.
