Overview
- AC Milan pulled out on Deadline Day after further checks highlighted a knee issue, including Paris assessments and a review by their club doctor in London.
- Mateta has played through knee pain since November, with Crystal Palace managing his involvement game by game.
- He will consult a specialist to decide whether to undergo an operation that could mean months out and harm his chances with France this summer.
- Sky Sports reports he is devastated by the failed transfer and is expected to leave Palace in the summer with about 18 months remaining on his contract.
- Palace have added attacking options with club‑record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen and loanee Evann Guessand, and their negotiating leverage may diminish as his deal runs down.