Jean-Philippe Mateta is being advised to remain patient as Juventus pursue a January move for the Crystal Palace striker.

Palace had anticipated interest in Mateta this month, but internal briefings suggested the club would be reluctant to engage in mid-season transfer talks. Concerns over potential disruption in 2026, following the anticipated exit of Marc Guehi and the knowledge that manager Oliver Glasner would not renew his contract, have made the club cautious about allowing other key players—including Adam Wharton, Daniel Muñoz, Maxence Lacroix, and Mateta—to depart before a new manager is in place.

Mateta, contracted until 2027, had been expected to negotiate new terms in 2025. Discussions began but failed to reach agreement on personal terms. Reports suggest the striker feels ready for a new challenge and is particularly interested in a move to a top European club.

Interest from Juventus has intensified his desire to leave. Sources indicate Mateta is eager to join the Italian side but is waiting to see if Palace will sanction a move. While frustration exists that the opportunity may slip away, hope remains that a deal can be struck.

Juventus have reportedly pushed hard for his signing, though Palace have remained firm. Any breakthrough would likely require a bid around £35 million. Juventus had initially valued the striker closer to £25 million and even explored the possibility of a loan deal. Mateta has scored eight Premier League goals this season, and Palace consider their valuation justified despite only 18 months remaining on his contract.

The Italian club’s difficulty in progressing the deal has led them to consider alternatives such as Joshua Zirkzee and Youssef En-Nesyri. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have expressed genuine interest in keeping Mateta in the Premier League, holding exploratory talks that could lead to a move to Villa Park.

Sources suggest Mateta would prefer a switch to Juventus over a move to Birmingham, but the final outcome will depend on whether Palace are willing to let him go. With Guehi already needing replacement, losing Mateta mid-season would present further challenges for a club already navigating a period of transition.