Aston Villa’s pursuit of Jean-Philippe Mateta may have gained momentum, as contract negotiations between the striker and Crystal Palace have reportedly encountered another setback.
According to Express Sport, discussions over Mateta’s contract, including wage details and a possible release clause, have stalled for the second time, potentially opening the door for other clubs to step in.
Mateta, who recently won a silver medal with France at the 2024 Olympics, is eager to play in the Champions League—an opportunity that Aston Villa can provide. This prospect could be particularly appealing to Mateta, especially given the uncertainty surrounding his future at Selhurst Park.
Although Aston Villa’s main focus this summer has not been on strengthening their attack—due to the strong performances of Ollie Watkins and the promising talent of Jhon Duran—manager Unai Emery remains keen on adding depth to his squad.
Mateta’s performances at Palace
Mateta enjoyed an exceptional season with Crystal Palace in the recent campaign, earning the club’s Player of the Year award. He netted his first Premier League hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Aston Villa and finished as Palace’s top scorer with 16 goals.
His consistent performances, including a streak of goals in six consecutive home games, have made him a highly coveted player. The 27-year-old forward’s 19 goals and 5 assists in 39 appearances last season underscore his potential value to Villa.
As Aston Villa looks to strengthen their squad for both domestic and European challenges, signing Mateta could provide the additional firepower needed to reach their ambitions under Emery’s guidance.
