Aston Villa have submitted an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The bid, reported by The Athletic on Tuesday, is understood to be considerably below Palace's valuation of the France international.
Crystal Palace expect a much higher offer to even consider sanctioning the 29-year-old's departure. This comes as Aston Villa seek attacking reinforcements amid uncertainty over Ollie Watkins' future and injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo. Villa's opening day 4-0 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion, a result that leaves them 17th in the Premier League with zero points, has intensified their search for new forwards.
Why is Aston Villa targeting Mateta?
Unai Emery's squad is undergoing significant change this summer. Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne have all departed. The futures of key players Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins are also uncertain, with neither featuring in the heavy defeat at Brighton. Watkins later apologised to his team-mates for missing the game. Villa have added six new players but remain light up front, having also considered moves for AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson. They had shown interest in Mateta as far back as January.
Villa rejected four bids from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for Watkins, the most recent worth £45 million. With their main striker wanting to leave and other options injured, Mateta represents a proven Premier League target. He scored 16 goals in 50 appearances for Palace last season, including the winner in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano that secured the club's first European trophy.
What is the situation with Mateta's contract?
Jean-Philippe Mateta's future at Selhurst Park has been complicated by a contract dispute. His deal was set to expire next summer, but Crystal Palace activated an option to extend it by a further year last December. Mateta took his case to the Premier League, arguing the extension was not valid. Sources briefed on the case told The Athletic that an independent tribunal determined earlier this year the contract did remain valid. The official outcome was not made public.
This isn't the first time Mateta has come close to leaving. In the winter transfer window, Italian side Milan were set to sign him in a €30 million deal before pulling out due to concerns over a knee injury. He was subsequently reintegrated into the Palace squad after the window closed.
What does this mean for Crystal Palace?
Palace hold a strong negotiating position. Mateta is a key player under contract, and the club's valuation reflects his importance. They sit three points behind league leaders Brighton after one game and have a tough next fixture against Manchester City at home on 28 August. Losing a striker of his calibre without adequate replacement could hurt their early season form, especially with zero goals scored and two conceded so far.
The club's squad depth would be tested, and funds from any sale would need to be reinvested quickly. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our standings and fixtures pages. For now, Palace are prepared to wait for an offer that meets their demands for a player who was instrumental in their historic European success just a few months ago.
