First offer sent to Crystal Palace
Nine months after walking away, Aston Villa are back at Selhurst Park’s door. The club sent a first offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta during the day, according to The Athletic. The fee has not been disclosed.
It is still well short of what the Eagles want. Palace are asking for much more to let their striker go. With only a few days left in the window, Villa will have to sharpen their approach if they want to get this done.
This is not a new interest. The Birmingham club had already sounded things out in January before pulling out.
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Villa are in urgent need of a striker
Villa’s attack is turning into a headache. Ollie Watkins wants out. He was left out of the squad against Brighton in the opening match, a 4-0 defeat. Al-Hilal are pressing hard and have already made four offers, all turned down, with the latest worth around 50 million euros.
Behind him, the treatment room is not getting any quieter. Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo are both injured. Unai Emery is left without a credible option through the middle.
The club are now chasing several targets. Rafael Leao is on the list, with enquiries made to AC Milan. Nicolas Jackson, at Chelsea, is also being tracked. Mateta is the third option they have moved on in a matter of days.
A contract situation that could open the door
Mateta’s situation at Selhurst Park is making Palace’s job harder. The French striker is said to be at odds with his club over his future. His deal was due to expire next summer, but Palace triggered a one-year extension option in December.
That stand-off could shape the talks. A player in open conflict with his club rarely fetches top dollar.
Mateta, meanwhile, is coming off a strong spell. His move to AC Milan collapsed last winter because of a long injury lay-off. He came back, found his form again and was called up by Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup. Aston Villa are looking for exactly that sort of profile.
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