Aston Villa will need to present a substantial offer to convince Crystal Palace to sell Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports from Sky Sports. The striker, a France international, has been linked with a transfer away from the Eagles, but Palace remains reluctant to part ways with him at this time.
Following the departure of Donyell Malen, Aston Villa is actively searching for attacking options, with Tammy Abraham also mentioned as a potential target. Mateta, who has 18 months left on his contract and has attracted interest from Juventus as well, is among Villa’s considerations.
Nonetheless, Crystal Palace is focused on strengthening their squad rather than selling, especially after losing captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City. Since joining Palace from Mainz in 2022, Mateta has made a significant impact, scoring 56 goals in 185 appearances, including eight goals in the current season’s 22 games.
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Last week, Palace manager Oliver Glasner announced he will leave the club in the summer and disclosed that Guehi was on the verge of transferring to Manchester City. Glasner also addressed Mateta’s situation, explaining that the club has a clear asking price and would only consider selling if that price is met and the player wishes to leave.
“There will be a price where Crystal Palace say, ‘18 months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants,’” Glasner said. “If nobody pays this price then JP will stay.”
As Aston Villa navigates their transfer ambitions, they will have to weigh the financial demands and Palace’s firm position on keeping Mateta, a key figure in their squad.