Massimiliano Allegri Breaks Silence on AC Milan’s Jean-Philippe Mateta Bid With Deal At Risk

Massimiliano Allegri said it was ‘not right’ to discuss AC Milan target Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Jean-Philippe Mateta AC Milan Switch In the Balance

Milan are conducting further medical checks on the Crystal Palace striker on Deadline Day after holding concerns over a knee injury.

A deal worth around £30million was struck over the weekend, but there are now fresh doubts over the switch.

Mateta wants to join Milan, but has been playing with knee discomfort all season. The Rossoneri have dispatched club doctors to carry out examinations on the problem area.

The 28-year-old has so far avoided surgery, but any long-term absence would likely see the Serie A heavyweights back out. A final decision must be taken before the transfer window closes on Monday evening.

In the meantime, Milan are preparing for their top-flight trip to Bologna. Ahead of the game, Allegri was asked to comment on developments around Mateta, but delivered a non-committal response.

“As I’ve always said, I’m only talking about players registered to AC Milan,” he said. “It’s also out of respect. It’s not right to talk about players from other clubs.”

Mateta has scored eight Premier League goals this season and is desperate to leave Selhurst Park.

Juventus held talks last month before pulling out of the deal owing to Palace’s financial demands. That allowed Milan to swoop, but there are several stumbling blocks that must be overcome ahead of the deadline.

According to Tuttomercato, ‘bureaucratic issues’ are also holding up the switch, with Mateta’s agent, Paul Latouche, currently in Milan to find a solution. It has been suggested that there is still a tug-of-war over the price.

Meanwhile, Juventus legend Michele Padovano told FootItalia that Mateta is a must-sign player.

Massimiliano Allegri ‘Happy’ With AC Milan Squad

Despite the risk of his Mateta pursuit collapsing, Allegri declared he was content with his current Milan crop.

“We’re lucky to have these two games, tomorrow and in 10 days’ time,” he added. “We will have time to fully recover [Christian] Pulisic, [Rafael] Leao and [Niclas] Fullkrug, that toe will be glued back sooner or later.

“We’re approaching the return of [Santiago] Gimenez as well, who will be useful for us for the end of the season. I’m happy with the guys I have at my disposal.

“We’ve done good things so far, but it’s not good enough for our final goal. Juventus have come closer, Roma are on the attack, Como as well.

“We can’t lose sight of the fact that the hard work we’ve already put in could be thrown away in a short space of time. What’s done is done, but we have to conquer tomorrow as well.”