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Premier League deadline day: the deals to watch as the winter window shuts

The winter transfer window closes at 7pm UK time on Monday, and several Premier League clubs are heading into deadline day with unfinished business.

For some, this is the final chance to strengthen squads for the decisive months ahead. For others, the focus is on resisting late approaches or finding exits for players who want a fresh start before the World Cup, now less than four months away.

With the clock ticking, here are the key Premier League deals worth watching as deadline day unfolds.

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Jean-Philippe Mateta and Crystal Palace’s difficult winter

January has been bruising for Crystal Palace supporters.

The sale of club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City for £20 million stripped leadership from the squad. Head coach Oliver Glasner admitted he felt “abandoned” by the club’s owners before announcing his intention to leave in the summer. On the pitch, Palace failed to win a league match across the month and their FA Cup defence ended abruptly with a humiliating third-round exit to non-League Macclesfield.

Now, February threatens to begin just as bleakly.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, a starter in all 23 of Palace’s league games prior to the weekend, underwent a medical on Sunday with AC Milan. The proposed deal is valued at over €30 million.

Palace are holding out for closer to £40 million, having already secured a contingency option by bringing in Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa, with a £28 million option to buy in the summer.

Mateta’s potential departure would be seismic for Palace, both tactically and emotionally.

What Mateta would bring to Milan

Among Premier League players to have attempted more than 50 shots since the start of last season, Mateta ranks near the very top for expected goals per shot. Only Erling Haaland and Yoane Wissa have been more selective in the quality of chances they take.

Mateta excels at attacking low crosses, timing his movement towards the penalty spot and exploiting gaps between centre-backs. Comfortable finishing with either foot, he is difficult to predict, while his ability to run in behind and his composure from the penalty spot add further layers to his game.

His finishing style is distinctive. Rather than aiming for the top corners, Mateta often keeps efforts low and close to the posts, favouring first-time shots. This can occasionally work against him, giving goalkeepers a chance, but his overall output speaks for itself. Since the start of last season, he has scored 22 league goals, a tally bettered by only six players.

For AC Milan, he would offer a blend of physicality, movement and reliability that is increasingly rare.

Jørgen Strand Larsen edges closer to Selhurst Park

As Mateta’s future hangs in the balance, Crystal Palace appear close to securing their replacement.

A bid worth £43 million plus up to £5 million in add-ons for Jorgen Strand Larsen has been accepted by Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 25-year-old Norway international was due to complete a medical in London before signing a four-and-a-half-year deal, with an option for an additional season.

Leeds United had pursued Strand Larsen aggressively, with offers up to £40 million rejected. Palace’s willingness to stretch beyond that figure has proven decisive.

Last season, Strand Larsen impressed with 14 goals while on loan from Celta Vigo, earning a permanent £23 million move. While his Premier League return this season has been modest, Palace are convinced his profile fits their needs.

How Strand Larsen compares to Mateta

Standing at 193cm, Strand Larsen is a classic No 9. Ninety-three per cent of his shots since arriving in England have been taken from inside the penalty area, underlining his box presence and instincts.

Replacing Mateta’s pace and ability to run in behind will be challenging. However, Strand Larsen offers a different threat. He is stronger with his back to goal, capable of pinning defenders and bringing others into play. Both players excel at attacking crosses, but the Norwegian’s hold-up play gives Palace an alternative route when space is limited.

Axel Disasi set for Chelsea exit

Axel Disasi returned to first-team training with Chelsea last week, but this is not a sign of reintegration.

The 27-year-old has not featured competitively for Chelsea in over a year and is expected to leave before Monday’s deadline, ideally on a permanent deal. A loan move also remains possible, following his temporary spell with Aston Villa last winter.

Interest has emerged from England, Italy and France, with West Ham United among the clubs monitoring the situation. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add defensive reinforcements as West Ham battle near the foot of the table.

Raheem Sterling finally moves on

Chelsea have also resolved the future of Raheem Sterling, reaching an agreement to terminate his contract early.

The 31-year-old had not played competitively for the club since May 2024 and was their highest-paid player. After a loan spell with Arsenal, Sterling was determined to secure a permanent exit rather than another temporary move.

Whether another Premier League side will take the gamble remains to be seen, but Sterling’s experience and pedigree ensure he will attract interest.

Fulham persist with Ricardo Pepi pursuit

Despite a broken arm that will rule him out until mid-March, Fulham remain keen on Ricardo Pepi.

The west London club have already strengthened their attack by signing Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for £27 million. They now want Pepi as well, with talks ongoing with PSV Eindhoven after an improved bid of around £28 million.

The gap in valuations is narrowing, and Fulham remain confident of striking a deal.

Tyrique George close to Everton loan

With Jack Grealish sidelined by injury, Everton have moved quickly to secure cover.

A loan deal for Tyrique George from Chelsea has been agreed in principle, including an option to buy. The 19-year-old has featured sparingly in the league this season but impressed in cup competitions, and Everton believe regular minutes could accelerate his development.

Adam Armstrong targeted by Wolves

With Strand Larsen heading out, Wolverhampton Wanderers are lining up a replacement.

An offer worth £7 million, plus £2 million in achievable add-ons, has been made for Adam Armstrong of Southampton. Armstrong has 11 goals in 29 Championship appearances this season and is seen as an experienced option to help Wolves in a relegation fight.

As deadline day ticks down, these deals could reshape the second half of the Premier League season. Expect late twists, frantic negotiations and at least one surprise before the window finally slams shut at 7pm.

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