Juventus have been handed another boost in the race for Jean-Philippe Mateta after it emerged that only Italy or England will do for him.
Speculation linking Juventus and Mateta has been strong in recent weeks as Luciano Spalletti seeks a new forward.
Although Juve had apparently decided against moving for Mateta for financial reasons, there have been interesting developments of late.
On Wednesday morning, Mateta notified Palace of his intention to leave in the January transfer window, according to reports.
And now, Fabrizio Romano has provided another update which benefits Juventus greatly.
Juventus target Jean-Philippe Mateta rejects Saudi Pro League interest
Jean-Philippe Mateta is on the radar of numerous clubs, including some in the Saudi Pro League.
However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Mateta has informed Crystal Palace that he doesn’t want Saudi football.
Mateta has “clear plans”, and they only involve Italy’s Serie A and England’s Premier League, added Romano.
🚨❌ More on Jean Philippe Mateta and his plans after exclusive story on request to leave Palace.
Mateta has already informed the club that he does not want to move to Saudi Pro League.
Clear plans: Premier League or Serie A. pic.twitter.com/x19lDLMTFW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2026
There have also been links between AC Milan and Mateta in recent weeks.
Where Juventus go from here in Jean-Philippe Mateta pursuit
In terms of player sentiment, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Juventus certainly seems like a realistic lead.
He’s keen on leaving Crystal Palace, wants Champions League football, and has narrowed down his options to Italy and England.
However, it’s a completely different matter in terms of the club Juventus want to sign him from.
Palace are holding firm over their valuation of Mateta, which stands at around €40-50m.
“Crystal Palace will not let him leave on the cheap,” Kaveh Solhekol recently told Sky Sports UK.
“So a club like Juventus, thinking that they can offer a (€2m) loan fee to get their leading striker, are totally wasting their time.
“It probably needs to be a £35-40m fee.”
Juve have a lot of work to do if they are to sign Mateta, particularly considering Aston Villa are also in the picture.
Their negotiators must come up with some particularly strong terms that will make Palace feel like they’re not being ripped off.
