Mateta to Milan OFF: How Will it Affect Deals for Strand Larsen and Armstrong?

Milan Decide Against Signing Mateta, What Happens Now?

It seems like their has been a late twist in the striker merry-go-round regarding Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace. With AC Milan seemingly deciding against signing Jean-Philippe Mateta after issues with the French striker's knee came up during his medical with the Italian giants in Paris, as Sky's Gianluca Di Marzio has reported.

The Frenchman was keen on the move, but it looks like he won't get his wish of a move to Milan. Mateta has also been subject of interest from Juventus, but it seems unlikely the Turin side will make a late move for the striker.

Salta Mateta al @acmilan dopo ulteriori verifiche. @SkySport

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 2, 2026

How Will It Affect Deals for Strand Larsen and Armstrong?

With Mateta staying at Selhurst Park as it stands, the question now is how does it affect strikers going in and out at Molineux. Wolves and Palace have agreed a fee worth £48 million for striker Jorgan Strand Larsen and the Norwegian had reportedly completed a medical with the South London club. However with Mateta's move to the San Siro now off, it remains to be seen whether Palace proceed with the deal to sign Strand Larsen, although at the time of writing there is no indication the plug will be pulled, anything can happen in the final hours.

Meanwhile, Wolves had lined up a replacement for the outgoing Strand Larsen in the form of Southampton striker Adam Armstrong, who Wolves had agreed a fee in the region of £10 million for.

With Mateta to #acmilan now dead, concerns that the striker-chain may collapse. At the moment, our sources saying #cpfc still want to sign Strand Larsen for £48m from #wwfc (has now completed medical) and Wolves still want to replace him with Adam Armstrong from #saintsfc. But….

— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) February 2, 2026

According to Sky's Rob Dorsett, the indication is that Palace are willing to proceed with the Strand Larsen deal, which will keep the door open for Armstrong to join Wolves.

With just hours left until the deadline, the merry-go-round involving Mateta, Strand Larsen and Armstrong looks set to go all the way to the wire.