Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan are five points behind leaders Inter Milan in the 2025-26 Serie A table, sitting in second place with 47 points from 22 outings. And, they are reportedly close to signing a Crystal Palace star to boost their chances of winning the title.
AC Milan Target Hoping To Join Christian Pulisic’s Club
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan have agreed personal terms with Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of a permanent switch. They are in advanced talks with Crystal Palace to finalise a summer move, but are pushing to complete a January deal.
AC Milan, who signed Niclas Fullkrug on loan from West Ham United earlier this month, are said to be aiming to sign Mateta now due to Santiago Gimenez’s lengthy ankle injury. They are ready to pay Crystal Palace $36 million, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Mateta, a former FSV Mainz and Le Havre man, is reportedly a target for the likes of Nottingham Forest and Juventus. However, his favorite option is Milan.
Mateta, who is reportedly interested in leaving the Eagles this month, could prove to be an excellent signing for Massimiliano Allegri’s side. He would likely start alongside Pulisic in an attacking 3-5-2 setup, with Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku as backups.
After enduring a tough first two-and-a-half years at Crystal Palace, Mateta is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top strikers now. The 28-year-old Frenchman has netted 36 league goals in his last 76 league appearances for Oliver Glasner’s outfit.
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Meanwhile, AC Milan striker Gimenez has opened up on his close friendship with Pulisic.
“If we play (for our countries), we are enemies, we are rivals. But, in the dressing room, he is one of my best friends. We are always together… I hope, when he’s not playing against Mexico, that he does well. But if he is, I need to kill him,” Gimenez told ESPN.
“But he was a really good friend in this difficult moment (of injury rehab). We have a lot of things in common. We like the NFL, he supports the Jets, I like the Dolphins. Sometimes, I go to his house, do a barbecue, and watch NFL. He’s a nice friend,” he concluded.
Gimenez, who has played alongside Pulisic 26 times at AC Milan so far, is currently nursing a serious ankle injury. The 24-year-old Mexican has scored 7 goals and registered 5Â assists in 30 games across competitions for the Rossoneri so far.
