Crystal Palace anticipated there could be offers for the striker this month, but private briefings ahead of the window always suggested they would be unwilling to engage in talks over a mid-season move.
The reasoning was a fear that the club could spiral in 2026. Marc Guehi’s exit had been anticipated, and club officials have known for some time that Oliver Glasner would not be renewing his contract.
As such, there has been a feeling that other players wanted by rival clubs - including Mateta, Adam Wharton, Daniel Munoz and Maxence Lacroix - would have to wait.
Palace want to appoint a new manager and then deal with the fallout of any further player exits, but that has been complicated by Mateta’s own stance.
He is contracted until 2027 but had been expected to agree new terms in 2025. Those discussions did open but no common ground was reached on personal terms.
In addition, there is a belief that Mateta feels ready for a new challenge and is particularly open to a move to a top European club.
Interest from Juventus intensified his desire to leave, and sources say he has been very keen on the move. He wants to leave Crystal Palace but is now waiting to see whether he will be allowed to do so.
There is a sense of frustration that a dream move may pass him by and there is hope that he can still push for a move.
Juventus have tried hard for his signing, but Palace have remained firm on their position. Any breakthrough would require a bid of around £35 million.
Juventus had been attempting to sign him for closer to £25m and even floated the possibility of an initial loan deal.
Mateta has scored eight league goals this season and Palace believe their valuation is justified - even with just 18 months remaining on his contract.
Juventus’ difficulty in making a breakthrough has led them to consider Joshua Zirkzee and Youssef En-Nesyri as alternative targets.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have shown genuine interest in keeping Mateta in the Premier League, holding exploratory talks that could lead to a move to Villa Park.
It is believed Mateta would prefer a move to Turin over Birmingham, but the coming hours will dictate whether Palace open up to the prospect of allowing him to leave.
With Guehi already needing to be replaced, losing Mateta as well - at a time when the club is on the wane - would be far from straightforward.
