France international of DR Congo descent Jean-Philippe Mateta has agreed personal terms with Premier League outfit, Aston Villa over a possible winter move.
The 28-year-old attacker, who joined Crystal Palace in 2022 has attracted significant interest following his consistent performance over the years. Since joining Crystal Palace, the forward has established himself as a key member of the club.
Mateta is a top transfer target for several European clubs, including Juventus and Chelsea, who are keen to bolster their attacker.
The enterprising attacker has informed Palace about his desire to test himself at a higher level before the winter window is shuts.
According to reports, Mateta has already agreed personal terms with Aston Villa, while Chelsea have made contact with the player’s camp.
While there is no guarantee that the Selhurst Park outfit will grant him his wish, they are fielding interest from a host of European clubs.
Juventus had a loan bid rejected and have moved on to different targets, emboldening Aston Villa’s quest of landing the forward before the closure of the window.
As per reports, personal terms are not an issue with the 28-year-old, who is determined to join a club that is either playing in the Champions League right now or expected to qualify for Europe’s premier competition this season.
Mateta’s desire to leave Crystal Palace this winter is influenced by his World Cup ambitions. He believes playing at the top level could land him a place in the France squad for the global showpiece this year.
With Palace’s form dipping and having lost captain Marc Guehi, Mateta feels that staying would jeopardise his World Cup hopes.
Palace are demanding between €35 million and €40m for their star striker. Despite it being a sizeable price tag for a player who will be 29 next season, discussions have already been held with numerous European suitors this month, not just Juventus, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Mateta has turned down a new Palace contract that would have seen him earn £80,000 per week until 2030. His current terms expire in 2027, creating a significant dilemma for his club.
Palace don’t want to budge from their valuation, but forcing a player who evidently doesn’t want to be there to stay is bound to create problems. It would also significantly weaken their negotiating position in the summer.
