Sources have indicated to BBC Sport that Crystal Palace were up front with AC Milan over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s knee issues before the deal was called off.
They said Palace sent the Italian club full medical reports towards the end of last week in preparation for the move being concluded.
But, according to sources in Italy, Milan’s reservations were over Mateta’s right knee. The 28-year-old’s meniscus had ruptured in 2019 when playing for Mainz and he had surgery that kept him out for around six months.
In their two examinations of Mateta, the Serie A club came to the conclusion that the striker would likely require an operation to cure the problem, described as an “inflammation” of the knee.
It is Milan’s view that the issue cannot resolved by therapy and load management.
The prospect of surgery does appear the common sense approach here.
It will allow the player to continue his career free of the pain he has struggled with in recent weeks. Likewise, it would help ease any concerns his future suitors may have over his fitness before any move away from Selhurst Park.
It would also suit Palace to a point as it would likely eradicate the possibility of his current knee problems arising as an obstacle towards any future sale.
Mateta’s current deal expires in 2027 when Palace would lose him for free, so the prospect of selling the player this summer will certainly be considered.
But with the chance of playing in his first World Cup looming large, any surgery for Mateta may have implications towards his selection for the tournament.