Aston Villa target Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta as Ollie Watkins’ alternative

Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as uncertainty continues to surround the future of Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.

According to reports, Villa are monitoring Mateta as a possible replacement for Watkins, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

The potential departure of Watkins could leave Aston Villa needing to reinforce their attacking department before the close of the summer transfer window. The England international has been an important figure in Villa’s attack, but the reported interest from Al-Hilal has raised questions about whether he will remain at the club beyond the current transfer window.

Mateta has consequently emerged as one of the options being considered by the Premier League side. The 29-year-old Frenchman has developed into a key attacking player for Crystal Palace and could offer Villa a different profile in the final third.

His physical presence, ability to hold up play and strength inside the penalty area have made him an important component of Palace’s attacking system. Villa could see those qualities as valuable if Watkins eventually leaves the club.

However, Palace’s position regarding Mateta is complicated by the fact that the striker has only one year remaining on his current contract.

The Eagles therefore face an important decision over the forward’s future. They could attempt to negotiate a new agreement with Mateta and keep him at Selhurst Park, or consider suitable offers for him before his contract enters its final stages.

A sale could represent Palace’s final opportunity to secure a substantial transfer fee for the striker if an agreement over an extension cannot be reached.

Mateta’s contractual situation has already been the subject of a dispute. The French striker reportedly challenged the validity of his contract through an independent Premier League tribunal and a FIFA hearing, but his attempts were unsuccessful.

The uncertainty surrounding his contract has added another layer to the situation as Palace prepare for the possibility of interest from clubs during the final days of the transfer window.

Mateta has also previously been close to leaving the London club. During the January transfer window, he was on the verge of completing a move to Italian giants AC Milan.

However, the proposed transfer eventually collapsed after Mateta failed his medical, forcing him to remain with Palace for the remainder of the season.

The Frenchman could now have another opportunity to secure a major move, with Aston Villa potentially prepared to make an approach if Watkins’ situation develops further.

For Villa, the priority would be to avoid being left short of attacking options if their leading striker departs. The club will therefore be monitoring developments around Watkins while assessing possible alternatives in the market.

Mateta’s experience in the Premier League could make him an attractive option, as he would not require a lengthy adaptation period to the demands of English football.

The forward would also arrive with considerable top-flight experience and an understanding of the intensity and physical nature of the Premier League.

At Palace, however, there is likely to be a strong focus on securing the best possible outcome from the situation. If Mateta does not commit his long-term future to the club, a transfer could become increasingly appealing, particularly with his contract situation creating the possibility of losing him for less in the future.

The coming days could therefore prove decisive for both Mateta and Watkins.

Should Al-Hilal make significant progress in their pursuit of Watkins, Aston Villa could accelerate their interest in Mateta as they look to secure a replacement.

Meanwhile, Palace will have to determine whether to keep hold of their French striker or listen to offers for a player whose contract is approaching its final year.

With the summer transfer window entering its decisive phase, Mateta could become one of the notable names involved in late transfer negotiations, while Aston Villa’s interest could intensify depending on developments surrounding Watkins.