How Jean-Philippe Mateta's AC Milan move fell through, Nottingham Forest's day of disappointment - and the truth about Sandro Tonali's Arsenal love-in: TRANSFER WINDOW WRAPPED
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The transfer window officially closed last night, and we have a comprehensive update from Simon Jones at Daily Mail Sport. Key highlights include the uncertain future of Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace and Arsenal’s fleeting interest in Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

Mateta’s Challenging Position

Jean-Philippe Mateta finds himself in a tough spot, needing to reintegrate with the Crystal Palace squad after a hoped-for transfer to AC Milan fell through due to medical concerns.

The 28-year-old’s situation has been a significant talking point, particularly after he made considerable efforts to secure a move to Milan. Initial medical evaluations conducted in London on Sunday flagged potential issues with a knee injury. Upon further examination yesterday, Milan’s medical team decided the £30 million investment was too risky.

With aspirations to earn a place in France’s World Cup team, Mateta now faces competition from Strand Larsen for a starting role. Despite the setback, his goal of moving to Italy remains unchanged.

Mateta wants to make France’s World Cup squad, so must now compete with Strand Larsen for a starting place. His ambition remains to move to Italy.

The Eagles had submitted a deal sheet for McNeil’s move and the winger had undergone a medical but, after Mateta’s sale collapsed, changed the terms from a £20m permament deal to a loan with an obligation to buy. Everton sources say that Palace pulled back and that they then ran out of time.

Jean-Philippe Mateta will have to re-integrate at Crystal Palace after failing to leave the club

The Eagles spent £48million on their new striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, arriving from Wolves

The Eagles spent £48million on their new striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, arriving from Wolves

While Palace ended the window with greater firepower than they anticipated, their scatter-gun approach to signing a centre back failed to find a target.

Calls went out to West Ham for Max Kilman, to Brentford for Ethan Pinnock and Lyon for Ruben Kluivert, but in vain.

The Hammers had a difficult enough time trying to persuade Axel Disasi to join from Chelsea. Talks, described as ‘complicated’, ultimately got him through a medical, with the deal sheet finally submitted.

Chelsea miss out on main man 

Chelsea missed out on their main target, Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old flew to Merseyside for a medical ahead of completing his £60m move to Liverpool. He will not join until the summer, as Rennes insisted.

Chelsea were left to recall centre back Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and sent Aaron Anselmino the other way. 

Striker David Datro Fofana followed suit, the 12th deal between Chelsea and Strasbourg, who have the same BlueCo ownership. 

Blues forward Tyrique George headed for Everton on loan while another 19-year-old winger, Ato Ampah joined Stoke permanently.

Chelsea missed out Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who will join Liverpool in the summer

Arsenal considered Tonali move

Arsenal explored options to fill the void that will be left by Mikel Merino’s imminent foot surgery. They looked into a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali after being contacted by agents, but did not make club-to-club contact.

Tonali’s representative Giuseppe Riso took exception to reports and insisted he was not to blame.

‘Newcastle won’t let Sandro go in January. We never spoke with Arsenal about this opportunity,’ he told Sky Italia.

‘There’s absolutely nothing in it. We will see around March about Sandro’s valuation, but only if Newcastle decide to open doors. He’s completely focused on Newcastle, it’s a nonsense topic.’

It is anticipated the 25-year-old will move in the summer, however. 

Arsenal considered a move for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali but there was no club to club contact

Arsenal considered a move for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali but there was no club to club contact

Arsenal consoled themselves with a £400,000 move for St Mirren forward Evan Mooney, 18, and a £3.2m deal for Stoke City prospect Jaden Dixon, who can play anywhere across the back four. The 18-year-old started out at arch-rivals Tottenham.

The Gunners had earlier offered a loan for Hearts’ teenage striker James Wilson. The Scotland international, 18, was not keen on what was effectively a trial and was instead tempted by neighbours Spurs, who agreed a loan with option to buy.

Forest’s day of rejection

Nottingham Forest had a frustrating day, also missing out on McNeil and Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney before seeing three bids for Celtic’s Arne Engels rejected, the last being £25m.

They did add Borussia Monchengladbach left back Luca Netz for £1.1m plus a sell-on.

Exits from the Stadium of Light

Adil Aouchiche left Sunderland for Schalke, which allowed them to sign Nilson Angulo for £17.5m.

Aouchiche’s departure, after he was recalled from loan at Aberdeen, opened up a foreign loan spot for Simon Adingra to join AS Monaco.

Nottingham Forest’s deadline day attempts to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough failed

Villa take one from the Baggies and send them another

Aston Villa confirmed that Samuel Iling Jr was recalled from his loan at West Brom and immediately loaned to Pisa. 

Villa also allowed attacking midfielder Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba to join West Brom on loan.

Hoops in for forgotten England star 

Celtic are interested in former Liverpool midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain. There is no rush for any deal though as he is a free agent and has been training with Arsenal’s Under-21s.

Still time for outgoings after busy day at Molineux

Wolves used some of their Strand Larsen money to complete deals for Southampton striker Adam Armstrong, who underwent a medical after they agreed a £9m fee, and England international midfielder Angel Gomes. 

The 25-year-old joined on loan from Marseille with an option to buy at £6m.

A move for Torino’s Che Adams stalled, but Besiktas have returned to talks for defender Emmanuel Agbadou. Wolves want £15m and the Turkish window closes on Friday.

Foxes bring in Lascelles on short-term deal

Brighton striker Andrew Moran joined Preston while Leicester signed Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles on a short term deal. The Foxes also moved for Chelsea striker Dujuan Richards on loan.

Brandon Williams back out in the cold 

Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams is looking for a new club again. The 25-year-old left Hull City by mutual consent.

United forward Gabriele Branchieri joined Rotherham on loan, while their midfielder James Scanlon signed for Swindon on loan. Crystal Palace forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi joined Stoke on loan.

Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams is looking for a new club again

Hammers youngster heads to Netherlands 

Utretcht signed West Ham left-back Emeka Adiele for an undisclosed fee. The 18-year-old has agreed a deal until 2030.

Wrexham completed the signing of Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri for £1m and Barnsley’s Davis Keillor-Dunn while Huddersfield signed Ryan Hardie from Wrexham. 

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng failed a medical at Feyenoord.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Will Dennis is heading on loan to Leyton Orient. 

Birmingham City have added Jonathan Panzo from Rio Ave. 

Stockport County have re-signed striker Louie Barry on loan from Aston Villa though he is still not fully fit after injury. 

Sheffield Wednesday have brought in Manchester City winger Joel Ndala, 19, on loan.

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