Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is reportedly keen on moving to Serie A next year amid the 28-year-old French striker’s links with AC Milan.

According to a report by talkSPORT, Jean-Philippe Mateta is the subject of interest of AC Milan. The Serie A giants are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in one of the next two transfer windows. So, the 28-year-old Crystal Palace centre-forward has emerged as a target for the Rossoneri.

The latest update has boosted AC Milan’s prospects, as Mateta is keen on moving to Serie A next year. While Crystal Palace wanted to tie the Frenchman to a new contract, he is ready to embark on a new adventure in the coming months.

How has Jean-Philippe Mateta fared at Crystal Palace?

Jean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from FSV Mainz 05. The 28-year-old did not hit the ground running at the South London club, and he had to bide his time before becoming a productive attacker. However, Oliver Glasner has brought the best out of the Sevran native in the last two years.

The French striker has been hot off the blocks in the 2025/26 campaign, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 22 outings across all competitions thus far. Mateta’s progress in the last two seasons has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. AC Milan will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the next two transfer windows.

Serie A move on the horizon?

AC Milan’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta makes sense. The Serie A heavyweights are scouring the market for a striker heading into the next two transfer windows, as Massimiliano Allegri wants more firepower in the final third. With Santiago Gimenez and Christopher Nkunku struggling to make their mark, AC Milan must sign a striker in the coming months.

Meanwhile, recent reports have linked Gimenez with a move away from AC Milan. Several candidates have thus emerged on the Serie A club’s radar, with Mateta also a viable target for the Rossoneri. The latest update has boosted AC Milan’s prospects, as the Frenchman is ready to move to Serie A.

While it is unclear if Mateta will push for a winter exit, a January departure may not be realistic, considering Crystal Palace’s packed schedule in the second half of the 2025/26 season. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 28-year-old French striker.