Aston Villa have been given encouragement that an improved offer of about £25 million could be enough to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the transfer deadline.
Unai Emery’s side have already recruited Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, but the departure of Ollie Watkins to Al-Hilal has left Villa seeking further attacking reinforcements. Tammy Abraham’s future is also uncertain, increasing the need for another senior centre-forward.
Football Insider reports that Palace rejected an initial Villa proposal for Mateta but may be prepared to reconsider if the Premier League club returns with a bid closer to £25 million.
The 29-year-old is understood to be open to leaving Selhurst Park, with his contract situation adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future. The Guardian has reported that Mateta’s attempt to challenge the validity of the final year of his deal was rejected by both an independent Premier League tribunal and Fifa.
Aston Villa weigh Mateta move after Watkins departure
Villa’s interest in Mateta emerged as Al-Hilal pursued Watkins, and the Saudi Pro League club have now confirmed that the England international has completed his move and joined training. British reports have valued the transfer at about £51 million, with Watkins signing a three-year contract.
Jackson’s arrival from Chelsea has addressed part of Villa’s need, but Mateta would provide a different option in attack. The France international offers greater physical presence and a more traditional penalty-box threat, while Jackson is capable of stretching defences with his pace and movement.
Mateta has also established himself as a reliable Premier League goalscorer during his time with Palace. His potential availability for a fee in the region of £25 million is therefore likely to appeal to Villa as they prepare for a campaign involving domestic competition and European football.
Palace are not under an obligation to sell, but the approaching deadline on Tuesday, September 1, and Mateta’s unresolved contract position could weaken their negotiating stance. Villa must decide whether to improve their offer quickly if they are to secure the striker.
