Aston Villa make approach to sign Crystal Palace striker Mateta
Aston Villa are keen to bolster their attacking options with a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Express.
As reported by Charlie Gordon [30 July], contract talks have appeared to stall between the Eagles and their leading scorer from last season, with Unai Emery’s side reaching out to Mateta’s camp for possible talks.
Mateta, 27, finished the Premier League campaign in incredible form as he scored 14 of his 16 league goals between February and May – ending 2023-24 with a hat-trick against the Villans in a 5-0 rout.
Aston Villa chase Mateta deal
Aston Villa are looking straight into building on last season’s triumph of qualifying for the Champions League.
The club have been ambitious in their transfer approach, so far splashing out £148m across eight signings such as Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Jaden Philogene.
Sales have also brought in over £100m to balance the books – most notably the lucrative switch of Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League after just a single season at Villa Park, and Douglas Luiz’s move to Juventus.
Mateta’s stock has rapidly risen as he became something of a cult hero in the Premier League, although this label is now transforming into that of a potentially top-class striker following his 21 goal contributions in the top flight in 2023-24.
The 6’4” Frenchman has been involved with his nation at the Olympics in his homeland but will be seeking progress in his domestic career of playing in the Champions League, and then forcing his way into the full France national team.
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