A transfer to Nottingham Forest from Crystal Palace had always appeared tricky, given that the player’s motivation for leaving Selhurst Park was to play Champions League football and elevate his status at a point in his career when he is confirming a key role in France’s World Cup squad.
Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus also considered moves for Mateta, and we revealed earlier this week how the player wanted to play for a traditional big club.
Nottingham Forest were concerned that their own efforts could be hijacked due to the level of ambition surrounding the player and in the past 24 hours those fears have come true.
Mateta and Crystal Palace have been in contract negotiations this season but were unable to agree on terms acceptable to both parties.
The Eagles had hoped to retain him until the appointment of a new manager, but they have now decided to cash in on the player and are in talks over the fee, which is expected to be around £35 million.
It represents a significant deal for Milan, who are signing a player at the peak of his career.
Mateta, 28, has become extremely excited by the prospect of playing for one of Europe’s most storied clubs and, once the proposal arrived, his representatives urged Palace to reach an agreement on a fee.