Going all out for Jean-Philippe Mateta makes sense for Milan

At one level final week, it appeared like Milan would undoubtedly signal Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.

They appeared to have crushed Nottingham Forest within the race, as an settlement was reached with the Eagles and the Frenchman. The 28-year-old appeared very eager on the switch, with Juventus having beforehand did not seal a deal.

Now, issues are showing within the deal. Initially, speak recommended it was all right down to medicals and Mateta’s dodgy knee. However more and more, it appears to be a difficulty round commissions and calls for from the participant’s agent. This was a key purpose why Juve had backed out, as they didn’t need to give in to his entourage’s calls for.

Even when the deal poses issues – particularly this late within the window, Milan merely must signal the participant.

Premier League participant at his peak

It’s uncommon to see Italian golf equipment signal gamers from the Premier League when they’re at their peak. When it occurs, it goes very nicely.

This occurred when Napoli roped in Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The 2 have received titles with the Partenopei. Milan themselves signed Fikayo Tomori and Christian Pulisic, with the defender having received Serie A.

Mateta is of an analogous profile. He has finished very nicely for Crystal Palace within the final two seasons, taking them to Europe and profitable them silverware.

Proper age and character

Largely, solely two strikers have largely damaged the Milan quantity 9 curse. These have been Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They had been older, a lot confirmed entities within the recreation and had a character to match.

Mateta will not be as previous however he additionally carries an aura about himself which screams dominance. He’s skilled and has taken on the job of dragging Palace up very nicely. He has been amongst the objectives usually, turning into a frontrunner of the facet after a troublesome interval earlier than Oliver Glasner took over.

The tag of turning into Milan’s quantity 9 comes with numerous strain. There are expectations that include it, particularly if the price is main. Solely skilled campaigners can thrive and Mateta is clearly one.

Mateta suits Allegri’s system

Max Allegri’s system has all the time had towering centre-forwards who’ve a nostril for aim and past discovering the online, hyperlink up play.

The present setup calls for that profile particularly. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao thrive after they have a striker who hyperlinks up, lets them run with the ball, makes off-the-ball strikes and finishes possibilities. The 2 wish to drift inside however Mateta is not any stranger to that. He performed infront of two quantity tens at Crystal Palace below Glasner.

Bodily, he’s a specimen that Allegri is more likely to love. A deal does look complicated now however even when it takes paying up further, it might make sense for Milan.