Mateta's Milan Move Teeters on Brink as Palace Eye Larsen Replacement

Crystal Palace's bid to offload Jean-Philippe Mateta to AC Milan on deadline day is hanging by a thread, with two significant obstacles threatening to derail the move entirely.

The Rossoneri appeared to have won the race for the Palace forward after muscling out Nottingham Forest over the weekend, but complications have emerged that could yet scupper the deal. Milan are conducting additional medical examinations on Mateta, with the Serie A club dispatching a doctor to assess the player on Monday before making a final decision. The window slams shut at 7pm UK time, leaving little room for manoeuvre.

But the medical uncertainty isn't the only headache for Milan. Former Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku has dug in his heels and refused to leave the San Siro, creating a potential logjam in their attacking ranks and raising questions about whether the club will genuinely push through with Mateta's arrival this month.

It's been an eventful window at Selhurst Park already. Marc Guehi has departed for Manchester City, while head coach Oliver Glasner has indicated his intention to move on when the season concludes. Mateta looked destined to follow, only for the Italian giants' hesitation to leave the door ajar.

Palace, meanwhile, have been proactive in the market. They've already secured Evann Guessand and Brennan Johnson, and are now closing in on Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential replacement should Mateta depart. The Eagles have reportedly agreed terms worth £43m upfront plus a further £5m in performance-related bonuses, with the Norwegian having successfully completed his medical on Monday morning. Palace fended off Leeds United to land him.

The south London club remain on the hunt for additional defensive cover, with captain Guehi's exit still requiring addressing. Defender Chadi Riad has provided a timely boost by returning to match fitness—his appearance in yesterday's draw at Nottingham Forest marked his first outing for the club in over a year. Nevertheless, Palace are keeping their eyes peeled for any centre-back opportunities that might emerge before the 7pm deadline.

Club Brugge's Joel Ordonez has been on their radar. The 21-year-old Ecuador international was enquired about last week, but the Belgian side's valuation proved prohibitive. Unless Brugge soften their stance on price, a late move for Ordonez appears unlikely.