Report: Crystal Palace reject Serie A giants move for star

Key Highlights

• With squad registration rules preventing any new arrivals from being added before the end of the group phase, head coach Luciano Spalletti must, for now, make do with existing resources. Mateta Identified as Priority TargetInternally, Juventus have concluded that a physical reference point in attack is required.
• Sporting figures Damien Comolli and Marco Ottolini are said to have accepted that complications around alternative targets mean Spalletti “needs a powerful number nine, and Mateta is the ideal profile”.
• Among several names considered, including En-Nesyri and Joshua Zirkzee, the French forward has emerged as the clear priority. Mateta’s profile, strong, direct, and experienced in the Premier League, fits Juventus’ immediate needs.
• His contract situation also sharpens interest.
• He has been with Palace since January 2022 and is tied down until June 2027, a detail that strengthens the English club’s negotiating position. Photo IMAGOAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPlayer Approval Given to Serie A MoveOne crucial signal has already arrived.