According to press reports, Italian club AC Milan has entered the race to sign French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, a player for English club Crystal Palace, during the upcoming January transfer window.

AC Milan's management is facing a significant financial challenge to complete the deal, as the London club is keen to keep the player and has raised its financial demands considerably, requiring the Italian club to make a "massive investment," according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla.

Milan's interest in the 28-year-old striker comes as they seek immediate reinforcements for their attack mid-season. Data indicates that securing Mateta's signature will not be easy, as sources confirm that his current club, Crystal Palace, previously rejected a substantial offer from Atalanta during last summer's transfer window. That rejected offer was around 40 million euros, setting a minimum value for letting the player go.

Based on previous estimates, AC Milan's management will need to present a financial offer exceeding 40 million euros if they want to engage in serious and successful negotiations.

In the coming weeks, actual moves are expected from the "Rossoneri" management to secure the necessary financial resources, as the fate of the deal will largely depend on the Italian club's willingness to bear the high cost of the transfer in the face of Crystal Palace's determination to keep one of their top stars.