Aston Villa have formally registered their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as Unai Emery looks to add a centre-forward for the second half of the season. Palace are open to a sale at the right price and have set a €40 million valuation. The Athletic reported Villa’s move, with Juventus also linked but reluctant to meet the fee.
Aston Villa Step Up Chase for Mateta as Palace Set €40m Valuation
Aston Villa have formally registered their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The report said manager Unai Emery is intensifying his search for a new centre-forward ahead of the second half of the season, with Villa moving early to position themselves as a serious contender for the French forward.
Mateta has enjoyed an impressive campaign at Selhurst Park, and Palace are willing to consider offers if they meet their valuation of €40 million. The report described him as one of Palace’s most valuable assets, noting he has been involved in regular goals across the last two campaigns and has strengthened his reputation as a reliable Premier League finisher.
Palace could use Mateta’s departure to help secure Villa forward Evann Guessand, who has been on their shortlist since last summer. The report said Guessand’s combination of physicality and technical quality appeals to Palace’s recruitment team, and that moving Mateta on would create financial room and squad space to bring him in.
Villa’s interest is driven by Emery’s desire to add attacking depth, with the report saying the team have heavily relied on goals from Ollie Watkins. Mateta is described as a striker known for strong hold-up play, sharp movement and physicality, and Villa have been exploring other options including Tammy Abraham and forwards across Europe, with Mateta emerging as one of their most attainable targets this month.
Juventus have also shown interest in Mateta, particularly with injuries affecting their attacking department. However, the report cited reports in Italy saying the Turin club are not willing to match the €40 million fee Palace have set.
