The Downfall of Jean-Philippe Mateta's Crystal Palace Transfer: AC Milan's Medical Reveals 'Critical' Issue

AC MILAN reportedly pulled out of a deadline day deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta after there were fears that he would need to undergo knee surgery.

The striker, 28, had been given the green light to make a mid-season exit from Crystal Palace.

And Mateta was on the verge of making a dream move to the San Siro after .

But the Frenchman was forced to stay with Palace when AC Milan chose not to get the deal over the line.

Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Italian giants made a shock U-turn when a critical issue was flagged during medical tests.

Dr Mazzoni, head of AC Milan’s medical team, jetted into London to make additional checks on Mateta in the final hours of the transfer window.

And the marksman’s right knee was of serious concern when the test results came back – leading to an eleventh hour decision to walk away from the deal.

There were fears that Mateta would need to undergo surgery in the future.

He went under the knife in July 2019, having torn his meniscus, and had concerns that he would need to be carefully managed.

The Serie A title chasers had worries that forking out a big fee for Mateta would be a major risk ahead of an expected jam-packed fixture schedule next season.

AC Milan are on course to seal qualification for the Champions League and there were doubts over whether he would be able to compete on all fronts.

made it clear to Selhurst Park chiefs that he was desperate to quit before the transfer window slammed shut.

And he missed Palace’s stalemate with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The ex-Mainz man has notched ten goals in 34 appearances for the Eagles this season.

from Wolves after initially expecting him to be a Mateta replacement.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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