Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has informed the club of his intention to leave this month, following discussions with Aston Villa and Juventus, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano.
The 28-year-old, who has started all 22 of Palace’s Premier League matches this season and scored eight goals, is out of contract next summer, leaving the Eagles with a critical decision: sell now or risk losing him for free.
Negotiations are ongoing, with Palace now holding the final say over any potential transfer. The French international of Congolese descent’s departure would come amid a difficult period for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has already seen key players leave in recent months, including captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City and Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.
Glasner has previously described the situation as feeling “abandoned” by the board as top talent departs to rival clubs.
Villa look elsewhere as Mateta considers exit
Aston Villa, keen to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window, are targeting Mateta along with Roma striker Tammy Abraham.
Winger Leon Bailey has returned to Villa from his loan spell at Roma, but he is expected to go out on loan again, leaving Mateta and Abraham as the primary options to boost Villa’s forward line.
Palace now faces a narrow window to replace the striker if he leaves, with just 10 days remaining before the transfer window closes.
Losing Mateta mid-season could further destabilize a squad already navigating the Premier League’s competitive pressures, potentially leaving Glasner to rethink tactics and personnel if reinforcements cannot be secured in time.
