Aston Villa eye swoop for underrated Premier League striker amid contract stall

Speculation is mounting over the future of one of the Premier League's most underrated strikers. With contract negotiations stalling between the player and his current club Crystal Palace, a potential move to a Champions League contender could be on the cards.

Aston Villa eye Mateta swoop

Aston Villa, riding the wave of their recent qualification for European football after more than forty years, have set their sights on Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta according to Express Sport. Under Unai Emery, the Midlands club are eager to enhance their squad even further before the transfer window slams shut.

Mateta's ambition to play in the Champions League has become a key issue in his ongoing discussions with Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old French forward, fresh from winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, is confident in his ability to compete at the pinnacle of European football.

Although Villa's main focus this summer hasn't been on strengthening their attack, Emery is keen to add depth if the opportunity arises. The potential exit of Jhon Duran might open up a spot for a new recruit, and Mateta's stellar performance last season has certainly caught Emery's attention.

Mateta is one of the league's most underrated strikers

Jean-Philippe Mateta's journey at Crystal Palace has been marked by determination and eventual success. Initially struggling to find his feet in the Premier League, Mateta's fortunes changed with the appointment of Oliver Glasner as head coach. The German manager's arrival at the beginning of the year was the turning point in Mateta's transformation into one of the league's most effective strikers.

During the 2023/24 season, Mateta scored an impressive 16 goals and contributed five assists in just 35 Premier League matches. His standout performance included a hat-trick against Aston Villa on the final day, highlighting his ability to excel against the very team now vying for his services.

Crystal Palace dilemma

Despite Aston Villa's keen interest, securing Mateta's transfer might not be straightforward. Crystal Palace consider him a vital part of their squad and are determined to retain him at Selhurst Park. With less than two years remaining on his contract, the club faces a tough decision: sell him now or risk losing him for free later.

Negotiations between Mateta and Palace have stalled for the second time, with disagreements over wages and a potential release clause being the main sticking points. Valued at approximately £25 million according to We Are Palace, Mateta represents a potentially lucrative acquisition for any club, especially given his prime age and aspirations for European competition.

Potential hurdles and competition for Mateta

Aston Villa are not the only club with an eye on Mateta. Rumours suggest that teams from Italy and Spain are also interested, setting the stage for a possible bidding war.

The Villans, already well-equipped in the forward department with Ollie Watkins as their leading striker, must carefully consider the advantages of adding Mateta to their ranks against the financial implications and competition for his signature.

Whether he stays at Crystal Palace or embarks on a new journey with a Champions League contender is yet to be determined. However, his impressive performances last season have undoubtedly made him a sought-after talent in the Premier League.