Aston Villa informed how to get Mateta deal over the line in ‘significant’ Crystal Palace transfer update
Aston Villa have been told exactly what is needed to get a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta over the line in the winter transfer window.
Mateta has been linked with a move to Villa Park over the past week, with Unai Emery’s side eager to bring in a striker before the deadline.
Villa’s woes in front of goal were clear during their 1-0 defeat to Everton, in which they created 1.44xG and had 18 shots without finding the back of the net.
The West Midlands giants remain third in the Premier League, though, and are still looking good to secure Champions League football for next season.
Crystal Palace require big offer from Aston Villa for Jean-Philippe Mateta
It has been a tumultuous transfer window for Crystal Palace, who have already seen their captain, Marc Guehi, depart and join Manchester City.
Oliver Glasner has also announced that he will be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
To make matters worse for the Eagles, Sky Sports are reporting that Mateta has informed Palace that he wants to leave the club this month.
While that is positive news for Aston Villa in their pursuit of the Frenchman, the South London side are not actively trying to sell their first-choice centre-forward.
It would take a “significant” offer from Villa to tempt Palace to part ways with Mateta, and a move for the 28-year-old is not close, despite his demands.
Which other strikers are Aston Villa targeting?
After Donyell Malen left Aston Villa to join Roma, it became clear that the Midlands outfit would be looking to bring in a replacement before the window slams shut.
Malen moved to the Italian capital on an initial loan deal, with a £21.7million obligation to buy at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old then scored on his first appearance for Roma, finding the back of the net in a 2-0 win over Torino, which will have done little to convince Villa fans that it was the right decision to let him leave.
In terms of Malen’s replacement, Tammy Abraham joins Mateta on Villa’s shortlist, with the England international reportedly keen on a return to the Midlands side.
However, nothing has been confirmed as of yet, and Emery will be nervously hoping that a centre-forward is brought in before the deadline.
Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.