Aston Villa readying blockbuster January move for Jean-Philippe Mateta as asking price set
Aston Villa have looked toothless up front so far this season.
Unai Emery’s side are currently the only team in England’s top four leagues yet to score, which is unusual for a side who don’t usually find goals hard to come by.
Ollie Watkins, who attracted interest from Newcastle and Manchester United in the summer, hasn’t looked his usual self.
Villa are already exploring solutions for their issues in attack, with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta on the shortlist of number nines.
Crystal Palace value Jean-Philippe Mateta at an increased £40million
Morgan Rogers has also looked unsettled at Aston Villa, after plenty of interest from Tottenham was quashed by the Villans.
The departures of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford at the end of their loan moves last season have left gaps in the attack.
Aston Villa hoped to sign Will Osula from Newcastle for £30million on deadline day, but that move fell through due to UEFA spending rules.
Emery could return with an offer for the Dane, but Jean-Philippe Mateta has now reportedly been added to their shortlist.
- Mateta scored 14 goals and managed two assists in 37 Premier League games last season
- He managed 69 shots and 33 on target in the 2024/25 campaign
- He averaged a goals per game ratio of 0.38
According to Caught Offside, Villa are keen on the Palace forward who would cost them £40million.
The Eagles have upped their asking price for the France international after increased interest from top-flight clubs, including Newcastle.
Mateta remains under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, but his fine form last season has attracted plenty of potential suitors.
What would signing Jean-Philippe Mateta mean for Ollie Watkins?
Aston Villa previously showed interest in Mateta in the summer transfer window of 2024.
With Villa reviving their attention towards the 28-year-old, it could mean that they are again expecting interest in Watkins.
The striker was subject to heavy speculation from Man Utd and Newcastle, but with the two sides finding alternative solutions up front, it remains to be seen whether anyone will make an approach for him.
| Watkins | Player | Mateta |
| 8 | Fantasy Premier League points | 8 |
| 270 | Minutes played | 261 |
| 1.13 | Expected goals | 1.24 |
Based on this season so far, it is clear that the Villans need more firepower up front. However, the additions of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott could change that.
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