Unai Emery and Pierre Sage are at Villa Park and Selhurst Park, respectively. Aston Villa have submitted a bid to Crystal Palace for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic.
The 29-year-old has become Unai Emery’s top target to strengthen Villa’s attack, especially with uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins given ongoing interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Aware of the need for additional firepower up front, Villa have moved quickly to test Palace’s resolve with a formal bid.
However, Villa’s opening offer falls well short of Palace’s valuation. The Eagles are under no pressure to sell and are holding firm on their starting striker, demanding a premium fee before considering a late-window sale.
Mateta’s relationship with Palace’s hierarchy has grown increasingly strained due to a prolonged contract dispute. The Frenchman, keen for a new challenge at a club competing in Europe, recently lost a legal challenge when both a Premier League tribunal and FIFA upheld the validity of a 12-month extension activated by Palace.
That outcome legally ties Mateta to Palace until June 2027, significantly strengthening the club’s negotiating position and ensuring Villa must reach a direct agreement with the Eagles.
For Villa, recruiting a striker with Mateta’s physical presence, work rate, and proven Premier League experience would provide valuable depth as they navigate a demanding season across domestic and European competitions.
While Palace rejected Villa’s initial approach, negotiations are ongoing as the West Midlands club consider raising their bid to meet Palace’s asking price.
Villa are also pursuing AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and have opened talks with the Italian club, although a deal is still some way off.