Crystal Palace Bracing For Departure Of Yet Another Top Talent Amid Juventus Interest

Juventus have re-ignited their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as the Italian giants look to bolster their attacking options.

Turin side Juventus saw their initial approach for Mateta rejected, but are ready to go back in for the Frenchman.

Having made a poor start to the season, Juve are in the need for goals.

They have identified Mateta as a priority target for the January window.

The 28-year-old forward has been instrumental for Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner.

But his time at Selhurst Park has been frequently disrupted with outside interest.

Mateta joined the Eagles from Mainz in 2020, and has since made 185 appearances.

With 56 goals and 13 assists in that time, his importance to Palace cannot be overstated.

As a result, the Premier League side are refusing to budge on their £35 million valuation.

Juventus have already seen an initial proposal firmly rejected by Palace.

That deal included a £1.7m loan fee and £24.5m obligation to buy, triggered by Juve’s European qualification,

But a total package of just over £26 million is well below what Palace are asking for.

Juventus See Opening Mateta Approach Rejected

Mateta’s current deal at Crystal Palace runs until 2027, meaning the Eagles have some negotiating power.

They are not under pressure to cash in this season, particularly not in January.

Palace boss Glasner’s impending exit has put the club’s wider operations under greater scrutiny, with fans furious and absolutely unwilling to see any further mismanaged departures.

“We are being abandoned”

Oliver Glasner says he feels ‘no support’ after Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat against Sunderland. pic.twitter.com/ZolXLhgEfH

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 17, 2026

But Juve’s need for a striker might push them towards meeting Palace’s valuation.

Key striker Dusan Vlahovic has been repeatedly struck down with injury problems.

Unable to stay fit long enough to maintain his form, the Serbian’s time in Turin may be nearing an end.

As such, Juventus are keen to add goals to their forward line, and see Mateta as the perfect solution.

The French international scored 30 Premier League goals over the past two seasons, and already has eight this term.

His aerial ability, physical dominance and ability to spearhead an attack mean he is an ideal candidate for the Bianconeri.

Crystal Palace Will Not Sell Mateta On The Cheap

But Palace remain determined to secure good value if they are to lose yet another top talent.

As well as confirming the exit of manager Glasner, Palace also lost Marc Guehi to Manchester City this week.

And the recent departures of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze have already left fans with a sour taste in the mouth.

Marc Guehi completed first part of his medical at Manchester City with deal set to be signed.

Agreement exclusively revealed on Friday now into formal steps as deal worth £20m plus add-ons is done. pic.twitter.com/5drSGOP2WV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 18, 2026

Such situations are inevitable for smaller clubs such as Palace when Europe’s elite come knocking.

But the club’s board are dead set on extracting maximum value from any further exits.

Selling your best players is the reality for any side bar the very top clubs in the world.

But Palace will not let Mateta leave until they feel they are getting a fair price for his departure.

Juventus will therefore need to increase their offer significantly if they are serious about signing him.