Juventus has reportedly sent scouts to London to watch Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in action, as they consider bringing in a new striker to replace the injured Dusan Vlahovic.
Juventus are currently without Vlahovic, who suffered a high-grade lesion that required surgical intervention in early December.
The Bianconeri have been studying their options in the market this month, with Mateta being one of the players on their radar. Luciano Spalletti has been relying on Jonathan David and Lois Openda, who have been vying for the No.9 role, but the manager doesn’t consider either one a natural centre-forward.
Mateta has been in good form, and his contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire in June 2027. The Old Lady is ready to sign up for the race for his services, but a January move remains highly unlikely.
According to reports, Spalletti is in no rush to add a striker to his ranks in January, preferring to wait until the summer when more appealing profiles will become available.
Juventus isn’t the only club interested in Mateta. AC Milan, who tried to sign him last summer, could rejoin the fray. The Rossoneri were repelled by Palace’s €40 million asking price, but with the player’s contract set to expire in June 2027, the valuation is expected to drop to €20-25 million next summer.
Mateta has been tipped to leave Selhurst Park next summer, and Crystal Palace may be open to negotiations. The club has reportedly initiated contract talks with Mateta, but no agreement has been reached.
