‘Aston Villa could seal devastating signing before 2 Feburary, Unai Emery doesn’t care’
Unai Emery is hoping to further strengthen his Aston Villa side before the 2 February deadline.
Aston Villa are having to be careful with how they spend, as they continue to grapple with both PSR and UEFA restrictions.
However, Emery has been able to welcome two new faces to Villa Park so far this winter, with teenage pair Brian Madjo and Alysson arriving from Metz and Gremio, respectively.
Meanwhile, Leon Bailey has been recalled from his loan with Roma after growing frustrated at both his lack of gametime and the arrivals of numerous forwards this month in the Italian capital.
Joleon Lescott drops Aston Villa, Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer claim
It’s no secret that Aston Villa are looking to sign a striker before the winter window slams shut.
Tammy Abraham is reportedly close to a return to Villa Park, with the Villans’ former Premier League promotion hero currently starring out on loan with Besiktas.
Other plates are seemingly being spun too, and among those players who have been strongly linked with a move to Villa is Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Crystal Palace star is understood to be keen to explore a new opportunity away from Selhurst Park, having bagged eight goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season.
However, interest in the French international is significant, but if Villa could get a deal done, it would be a major signing and a serious player to add to Emery’s forward line.
And, speaking on TNT Sports before Aston Villa’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday night, former Villa defender Joleon Lescott has offered his thoughts on the possibility of a deal.
“Well, I think Mateta has spoken about wanting to leave,” Lescott said in response to being asked whether he could see him signing for Villa.
“Again, who knows if that is the player they get, but they’re looking to buy Premier League experience, which is key. Especially if you’re signing players in January.
“They’re used to it. They can settle easily, and Mateta is moving up the road. It would be devastating for them (Crystal Palace), but I’m not sure Unai Emery cares too much about that.“
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Ollie Watkins surely wouldn’t be happy with Mateta arrival
Having signed a contract until 2028 back in October 2023, Ollie Watkins will still feel he’s very much Aston Villa’s centre-forward of the foreseeable future.
Therefore, despite the fact he’s had some injury issues this season, the 30-year-old has still been able to score seven Premier League goals, just one fewer than Mateta.
And, given the fee that Villa would surely have to pay and Mateta’s proven quality at the level, the Frenchman wouldn’t be coming to Villa Park to sit on the bench.
So, that begs the question, would Watkins be overly happy to welcome him to the West Midlands?
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.