Jean-Philippe Mateta Seeks Departure from Crystal Palace Amid Turbulent January

Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French forward, has officially requested to leave Crystal Palace, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. The 28-year-old currently has 18 months remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.

Juventus has shown interest in the former Mainz player; however, they did not meet Crystal Palace’s valuation of approximately £40 million ($54 million). Aston Villa is also among several clubs considering a move for Mateta.

Since making his debut for the French national team last October, Mateta has scored two goals in three appearances. This season, he has netted eight goals in the Premier League for Crystal Palace.

January has proven to be a tumultuous month for last season’s FA Cup winners. The Eagles were eliminated from this year’s competition in the third round by non-league Macclesfield. Additionally, the news of manager Oliver Glasner’s impending departure at the end of his contract this summer has further unsettled the squad. This was compounded by the recent transfer of captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City.

Following a Premier League defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, Glasner criticized the Selhurst Park management, expressing that the team felt “abandoned” and lacked adequate support from the club’s higher-ups. Crystal Palace, who have not secured a league victory since December 7, are still in contention for the playoff round in the Conference League and will host Chelsea this Sunday.

This report includes contributions from ESPN’s James Olley and PA.