Milan Muscle In: Forest’s Mateta Chase Faces a San Siro Swerve
AC Milan believe they can beat Nottingham Forest to Jean-Philippe Mateta before Monday’s deadline. That’s the word from across the Channel, where confidence is growing that the Rossoneri can swoop in and turn a tidy Premier League tug-of-war into an Italian job.
Forest’s bid rebuffed, terms said to be fine
Forest have been working this one hard, tabling an offer in the region of £35m for the Crystal Palace striker. That proposal didn’t get it done, and there’s still no agreement between the clubs. Even so, the chatter is that personal terms aren’t the obstacle — the player has been open to the move to the City Ground.
Palace won’t blink without a replacement
As ever, Palace are playing the long game. Selling your leading man without a successor lined up is a shortcut to trouble, and it’s understood the Eagles have moved to line up cover, with a verbal agreement reported for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen on a package worth up to £50m. Until the ink’s dry on a replacement, Palace can afford to hold the line on price.
Spurs step back, Milan step up
Tottenham had a look, then backed away — no late scramble expected from north London now. That clears some runway, but it’s Milan who’ve roared down it. The Italian giants fancy their chances of pinching the deal, and you can see why: San Siro, global profile, a squad geared for deep European runs — it’s a compelling sales pitch.
Why Italy turns Mateta’s head
Mateta’s admiration for Serie A has been no secret. Champions League football is a major attraction and Milan, sitting second domestically, are well placed to offer it next season. For a striker in his pomp, that’s the sort of stage that can sharpen a decision in a heartbeat.
Forest’s next move
For Forest, this is squeaky-bum-time recruitment. They’ve driven the price to a competitive level, but Milan’s entrance could nudge the number north of £40m if Palace decide to negotiate. Expect contingency plans to be dusted off — alternative centre-forward targets are in the folder and could accelerate if Milan’s confidence turns into signatures.
The verdict
If Forest land Mateta, it’s a statement that they can outmanoeuvre continental heavyweights in a seller’s market. If Milan prevail, no shame in losing out to one of Europe’s blue-chip badges — but Forest will need to pivot quickly to avoid heading into the run-in one striker light.
For those eyeing the odds as the saga twists and turns, the market will be lively in the final days — a reminder to compare the best betting sites before having a flutter.
Either way, this one’s set up for a frantic finale. Milan hold the glamour, Forest hold the groundwork — and Palace, as ever, hold the cards.
