Jean-Philippe Mateta submits transfer request amid interest from Chelsea

Jean-Philippe Mateta has officially informed Crystal Palace that he wants to leave the club this month, according to the latest reports from Ben Jacobs.

The French striker, who has been a rare bright spark in a difficult season for the Eagles, has reportedly told the board that he has no plans to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park.

Mateta was prioritizing a move to Serie A with Juventus, but the Italian giants rejected an initial offer.

Juventus proposed a loan deal with a conditional commitment to buy, linked to European qualification, which Palace immediately rejected.

The south London club are set to sell permanently, with their star striker valued at around £40m.

With the player now pressing for an exit, the club faces a race against time to secure a replacement before the window closes.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has told Crystal Palace that he wants to leave this winter. The French striker has no plans to sign a new contract.

Mattita wanted to move to Juventus, but the Serie A side offered a loan with a conditional commitment which was unacceptable to Palace.

Aston… pic.twitter.com/9HoOoUI2f5

– Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 21, 2026

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Chelsea and Aston Villa have also been linked with Jean-Philippe Mateta

The race is heating up to sign Matita with Chelsea, among the clubs interested in the player.

According to reports, the Blues have made contact with the player’s representatives to explore a deal as Liam Rosenior looks to bolster his attacking options.

While Chelsea have invested heavily in youth, Mateta’s Premier League fitness is seen as a valuable asset in the second half of the season.

Aston Villa also remains in the conversation. Unai Emery’s side have been working on a deal for Tammy Abraham from Besiktas for days, but with negotiations over a transfer fee stalling, Villa have turned attention towards Mateta.

The Frenchman is seen as an ideal alternative should Abraham’s deal fail to cross the border.

Crystal Palace’s nightmare continues in January

Mateta’s transfer request is the latest blow in what has become a nightmare for Crystal Palace in January.

Earlier this month, the club lost captain Mark Guehi, who completed a move to Manchester City.

This led to manager Oliver Glasner confirming that he would not remain at the club beyond this season.

Glasner’s announcement was followed by a post-match rant against the club’s ownership, in which he accused the board of “abandoning” the players.

After a string of poor results and a shock FA Cup exit to Macclesfield, the relationship between the manager and the hierarchy appears to have reached breaking point, leaving the club’s future in complete disarray.