Expert: Crystal Palace plan last-ditch contract talks with 'crucial' star

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(Credit: Imago) Wed 3 June 2026 7:00, UK Jean-Philippe Mateta is growing increasingly likely to leave Crystal Palace this summer despite the club considering a last-ditch attempt to agree a new contract.The 28-year-old has been sensational under Oliver Glasner, scored the winner in the Conference League final, and will now head to the World Cup with France.However, having seen previous contract talks stall and a move to AC Milan fall through in January, he may already have played his last game at Selhurst Park.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that while there is still a slim chance he could stay, Crystal Palace expect Mateta to move on.The striker’s current contract is set to run until next summer, and the Eagles hope to sell rather than let him leave on a free as Palace brace for a busy transfer window.Celebration so iconic the whole team is doing it 🥶#UECLfinal | @CPFC pic.twitter.com/yYqsXaMKhI— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 28, 2026 Could Crystal Palace keep Jean-Philippe Mateta?Football Insider revealed in April that Crystal Palace will accept offers for Mateta, and the France forward could be allowed to leave for a cut-price fee. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES However, after he played a key role in the second half of their season including the Conference League success, they could renew their attempts to keep him around.Jean-Philippe MatetaCrystal Palace StatsAppearances202Starts138Minutes Played12,000Goals62Assists14Trophies Won1x FA Cup1x Community Shield1x Conference LeagueJean-Philippe Mateta’s career stats for Crystal Palace.

(via Transfermarkt)While any agreement over a contract extension is still considered unlikely, the Eagles could make a final attempt before allowing him to move on.“It’s going to be difficult for Palace to keep Mateta,” Brown told Football Insider.“I’ve said it from the start, Mateta would be best suited staying at Crystal Palace where he has proven he can perform. and where he is loved by the fans.“There’s always an element of risk that comes with moving to a bigger club, there’s more pressure, more expectation, and you have to up your game.“I’m not saying Mateta can’t do that, by all accounts he has the right mentality for it, but if I were advising him I would suggest staying at Palace would not be that bad.“Crystal Palace want to hold on to their best players, especially with the change in manager, and I’m sure that will include Mateta if they feel it’s possible because he has been crucial.“They could offer him a new contract, on the wages he was asking for before, and see if that goes anywhere, although it’s still unlikely at this stage.“If they can’t agree new terms, they’re going to have to sell him because they definitely don’t want to lose him for free, but in an ideal world they would love him to extend.”Which clubs are interested in signing Mateta?Should Mateta leave Crystal Palace this summer as expected, he will have no shortage of suitors, with clubs across Europe as well as the Premier League keeping tabs.The striker came close to joining AC Milan during the January transfer window, but the deal fell through due to a knee injury, while Juventus were also among those interested.Credit: ImagoIn England, both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest had considered moves for the striker, but missed out as his preference was to play in Serie A with Milan.Football Insider revealed on 2 June that Nottingham Forest could reignite their interest in Mateta as he is set to become available with Palace looking to cash in.A fee of around £25million is expected to be enough to get a deal over the line, while Vitor Pereira’s side have been long-term admirers and could now make a move. 🦅 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Crystal Palace Insider Access Get the full story from Selhurst Park and Beckenham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of South London.