Aston Villa could target Jean-Phillipe Mateta as a potential striker this summer as Unai Emery seeks a replacement for Jhon Duran.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are reportedly considering a move for Jean-Phillipe Mateta before the window closes. Crystal Palace are eager to keep the forward who has picked solid form under Oliver Glasner, as Unai Emery seeks a potential replacement for Jhon Duran.
Aston Villa want Jean-Phillipe Mateta
Jean-Phillipe Mateta has gone under the radar in this transfer window, as there could be late interest for the French forward. Since Oliver Glasner was appointed Crystal Palace boss in February, the 27-year-old Premier League star has been one of the most improved players in the league.
His tally of 13 goals in as many games in a solid end-of-season run-in has given some rivals food for thought, as Mateta could yet become an important name in the striker market. Crystal Palace are eager to tie down the 27-year-old to a new deal, with his current agreement ending in 2026, and Aston Villa are showing an interest.
Mateta offers good box p[presence, and despite his physical stature, he can play out wide if needed. Unai Emery seeks a replacement for West Ham-linked Jhon Duran, with the move inching closer despite the Hammers signing Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.
Mateta’s late-season revival in form could also boost Palace’s chances of acquiring a big fee from his sale, although they are not leaning towards selling him. Glasner would not want him gone, as he is keen to develop the striker even further and help the club by unlocking his goalscoring prowess. In fact, Mateta ended the season with a hat trick against Villa in a 5-0 hammering on the final day.
Aston Villa looking for new strikers
Villa are not concerned about Ollie Watkins’s future and are not entertaining offers for the England international. They are leaning more toward selling Duran and bringing in a replacement, as Emery wants a proper striker to replace the Colombian. Romelu Lukaku rejected an approach as he favours joining Napoli and reuniting with former boss Antonio Conte.
Villa are also keen on Maximilian Beier, with the striker available for a release clause of close to €30 million. From this point onwards, more names could surface, as Villa are intent on selling Duran and bringing in the right replacement.
