Aston Villa get Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer clarity as Crystal Palace offer received
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move to Aston Villa.
Unai Emery is hoping to make some more signings before the January window closes, with Aston Villa trying to remain in the Premier League title fight.
Villa have only been able to welcome two new arrivals so far this month, with Brian Madjo joining from Metz and Alysson signing from Gremio.
However, both of those forwards are 17 and 19 respectively, and so it will be interesting to see whether Emery is able to add one or two proven and experienced players to his squad this winter.
Aston Villa handed Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer reality
With Donyell Malen sealing his loan move to Roma, Ollie Watkins is now Aston Villa’s only senior and natural centre-forward.
That’s likely to be something nobody connected with Villa will be overly happy about, as without the 30-year-old England international, Emery’s side may not have the firepower to keep the chasing pack at bay.
So, it’s no surprise to see Villa being linked with numerous centre-forwards, and one name in particular that has been getting supporters excited is that of Mateta.
Indeed, Mateta has been linked with Aston Villa since the summer, as the 28-year-old is reportedly open to seeking a new challenge away from Selhurst Park having signed permanently for Palace in January 2022.
Ever since making his loan stay a permanent one, the France international has scored 53 times in 169 appearances for the Eagles, and has now established himself as a top striker in the Premier League.
However, Villa fans may want to put any excitement over a possible swoop for the big centre-forward on hold.
As per journalist Alan Nixon via X, he’s reported that Villa aren’t in the race to sign Mateta at this stage when responding to a question about the Villans’ reported interest.
He’s also reported via his Patreon that Crystal Palace have rejected an approach from Juventus for Mateta.
Why Mateta may not be keen on Aston Villa move
Now that he’s shown himself to be a very good player in the Premier League, it’s safe to assume that Mateta will want starting minutes wherever he ends up next.
However, Watkins should still have a number of good years left in him, and so that won’t be a guarantee for Mateta at Villa Park.
As such, somewhere like Juventus – where Luciano Spalletti has four strikers but only two are fit – may be a more appealing destination for the Frenchman.
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