Aston Villa make Jean-Philippe Mateta move amid Ollie Watkins uncertainty

Aston Villa have made an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as they prepare for the possibility of Ollie Watkins leaving the club for Al-Hilal, according to The Athletic.

Villa have been monitoring Mateta for several months and also explored the possibility of signing the France international during the January transfer window.

The club are now attempting to narrow the gap between their valuation and Crystal Palace’s financial demands for the 28-year-old forward. Mateta’s possible arrival is being considered against a backdrop of uncertainty over Watkins’ future at Villa Park.

Watkins, 30, has told Aston Villa’s hierarchy that he wants to leave the club. The uncertainty surrounding the England striker has been compounded by injuries to Tammy Abraham, 28, and 17-year-old Brian Madjo, leaving Villa considering their options in attack.

Mateta’s own future at Crystal Palace is also unsettled. He is involved in a dispute over the final year of his contract, which is due to expire in June 2027, and wants to depart before the transfer window closes.

Crystal Palace’s hierarchy are understood to be increasingly open to allowing Mateta to leave. The club believe the coming days represent their final opportunity to secure a significant financial return from the striker’s transfer.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal had agreed personal terms with Watkins. The proposed move would see him join the club as they look to replace Karim Benzema as their leading striker.

Watkins has made 278 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring 108 goals and providing 47 assists. Those figures have established him among the club’s modern-day greats since his arrival at Villa Park.

However, with only two years remaining on his contract, Aston Villa may have to adopt a flexible approach if the forward pushes to leave in the future. His reported agreement with Al-Hilal has therefore increased the pressure on the club to assess potential replacements.

Villa’s interest in Mateta is not new, but the latest offer indicates that the club are now taking concrete steps to strengthen their centre-forward options. The French striker has become a possible solution should Watkins complete a move away from the Premier League side.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, must decide whether to retain Mateta or accept an offer while they can still maximise the value of a player whose contract situation is already under discussion. The outcome of the negotiations could depend on whether Aston Villa can meet the Eagles’ asking price before the transfer market closes.