Aston Villa interested in goal machine who scored hat-trick against them

Aston Villa have set their sights on acquiring the services of Crystal Palace's prolific striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta as per Express Sport, following his outstanding performance in the previous season.

The 27-year-old French forward had a remarkable campaign, netting 16 goals in the Premier League, with 14 of them coming in the final 16 matches. His crowning moment was a hat-trick against Aston Villa in a 5-0 triumph. Mateta's current contract with Palace runs until 2026, but negotiations for an extension have hit a roadblock, paving the way for potential suitors.

Aston Villa's interest in Mateta comes as they prepare for the potential departure of Jhon Duran, who is on the verge of joining West Ham. This move would create a void in Unai Emery's squad, and the club sees Mateta as an ideal replacement. The Frenchman's goal-scoring prowess and ability to make an immediate impact have caught the attention of Villa's management.

However, Aston Villa are not the only club vying for Mateta's signature. European giants Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also keeping a close eye on the situation. AS Roma had expressed interest in the striker but have since shifted their focus to Girona's Artem Dovbyk. Mateta's aspirations to play in the Champions League could be a deciding factor in his ultimate destination.

Since joining Crystal Palace from Mainz in 2022 for a fee of £9.2 million, Mateta has become a vital cog in the team's attacking machinery. His 16 goals and five assists in 35 Premier League appearances last season played a crucial role in Palace's resurgence under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, propelling them from the brink of relegation to a top-half finish.

Aston Villa's pursuit of Mateta is a calculated move to bolster their attacking options. The Frenchman's potential partnership with Ollie Watkins could create a formidable strike force for the Villans. While the club has also been linked with Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, the two deals are not believed to be interconnected.

Any significant developments regarding Mateta's future are likely to unfold after the conclusion of the Olympic Games, where he is currently representing France. As the summer transfer window progresses, Aston Villa will be eagerly monitoring the situation, hoping to secure a deal that could significantly enhance their attacking prowess for the upcoming season.

With his impressive goal-scoring record and the potential to make an immediate impact, Mateta has become a sought-after commodity.