Looking to deal Crystal Palace a major blow, AC Milan are now reportedly taking initial steps towards signing a Selhurst Park star this summer.
Crystal Palace could still lose Eze
Whilst they have at least managed to sign Walter Benitez and Borna Sosa, it’s fair to say that Crystal Palace have endured a frustrating summer so far. And things could yet get worse for those in South London. Rumours are continuing to arrive regarding Eberechi Eze’s future and reports suggest that both Chelsea and Arsenal have set their sights on the talented attacker.
His exit wouldn’t be the only bad news that Palace have received this summer, either. The Eagles were recently dealt a harsh blow when UEFA confirmed their relegation from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League after John Textor’s involvement with Lyon and Palace broke multi-club ownership rules.
Steve Parish has since had his say on the matter, confirming that Palace will be appealing UEFA’s decision: “We are still fighting. There’s an appeal process, so we go to CAS which is the court for arbitration and, you know, we’re very hopeful. We think we’ve got great legal arguments.
“We don’t think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn’t have decisive influence over the club. We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt, because it’s a fact.”
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Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign “talented” £26m ace who may replace Eze
The Eagles are already preparing for the worst.
Whether UEFA’s decision will play a part in players’ immediate futures remains to be seen, but it looks as though AC Milan are willing to put that theory to the test this summer.
AC Milan make first moves in Mateta race
Whilst there will be plenty of concern about Eze’s future, another one of Oliver Glasner’s key players could yet be heading for the exit door. According to L’Equipe, AC Milan are now making initial moves to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is open to completing a summer switch to the Italian giants.
As things stand, however, the Frenchman’s valuation remains a major obstacle and potential saving grace for Crystal Palace. The Italians have reportedly been put off by Crystal Palace’s asking price, which stands at over €30m (£26m).
Alas, the Eagles’ demand should not be a surprise to Milan or any other interested parties. The £50,000-a-week forward enjoyed another excellent campaign last time out – scoring 17 goals in all competitions – and earned high praise from Glasner.
The Crystal Palace manager told reporters: “We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.
“He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”
