Life has not been easy for Jorgen Strand Larsen since arriving at Crystal Palace.
The Norway international signed his four-and-a-half-year contract back in February under the impression that Jean-Philippe Mateta was heading to AC Milan, therefore expecting to be the main striker at Selhurst Park with Eddie Nketiah sidelined through injury too.
However, Mateta ended up staying at Crystal Palace after failing a medical, and has been trusted by Oliver Glasner to start some significant games ahead of Strand Larsen, such as both legs of the UEFA Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Norwegian may have therefore been concerned that he could spend a lot of next season on the bench as well should the France international remain in SE25 – but Corriere dello Sport now suggest that will not be happening.
Who deserves to start up top in the UEFA Conference League final? 🤔
Glasner seems to trust Mateta more at the moment… 👀
AC Milan in advanced talks to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta
Having seen the Frenchman play plenty of football since failing that medical in February – scoring four goals along the way – AC Milan plan to return to the negotiating table with Crystal Palace this summer to thrash out a deal for Mateta.
Corriere dello Sport say AC Milan are already “at a very advanced stage” in talks with the Crystal Palace No.14 over personal terms, and hope to agree a “reduced fee” with Steve Parish considering the man born in Sevran will only have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season.
It means Strand Larsen should get the chance to be the main man for Crystal Palace next season, and begin to show why £48m was spent to sign him from Wolves.
The 26-year-old has already shown glimpses of frustration at times while playing second fiddle to Mateta.
Strand Larsen looked visibly annoyed to come off during the recent 2-1 win over Newcastle in place of the Frenchman, who was aided by the introductions of Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr at the same time, whereas the Norwegian had to play alongside the ineffective Brennan Johnson during his time on the pitch.
Who should we be looking to keep around? 📝
Therefore, the Crystal Palace No.22 – who could soon be joined by two former Wolves teammates – will be relieved to hear that AC Milan remain keen on taking Mateta this summer, as he presumed would be the case upon arriving in SE25 in February.
