Aston Villa step up interest in Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta

Aston Villa have made an opening offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the proposal was rejected immediately because it fell well short of the London club’s valuation.

According to journalist Alex Crook, the Birmingham club have already tested Crystal Palace’s resolve with an initial bid for the 29-year-old France international forward of Congolese origin. The offer is understood to have been worth between £20m and £25m, a figure equivalent to approximately €23m-€29m.

However, Crystal Palace consider that amount insufficient and remain determined to maintain a high asking price for one of their most important attacking players. The club have not indicated that they are prepared to lower their valuation, meaning Aston Villa may need to return with an improved proposal if they want to open negotiations.

Mateta has established himself as one of Crystal Palace’s leading attacking threats in recent seasons. His performances have also attracted interest elsewhere, with his representatives reportedly having offered him to Tottenham and Manchester United.

Aston Villa’s interest therefore comes amid competition from two other prominent Premier League clubs, although the report does not state that either Tottenham or Manchester United has submitted an offer. Villa could now decide to increase their bid in an attempt to persuade Crystal Palace to consider a sale.

Mateta remains under contract at Selhurst Park until 30 June 2027. His estimated market value is €30m, while his reported annual remuneration in England is €2,999,892, equivalent to 1,949,929,800 CFA francs.

The striker’s contractual position gives Crystal Palace leverage in any discussions, particularly with more than one season remaining on his current deal. The club’s firm response to Aston Villa’s first approach suggests they believe Mateta is worth more than the opening bid put forward by the Premier League side.

Crystal Palace are due to face Manchester City in their second match of the English league season shortly. Betting company 1xbet lists Crystal Palace at 4.90 to win, with a draw priced at 4.00 and Manchester City at 1.56. The source article also includes a reference allowing readers to download 1xbet.

For now, Aston Villa’s initial approach has not resulted in an agreement, and Mateta remains a Crystal Palace player. Any further movement will depend on whether Villa are willing to improve their offer and whether that revised figure better reflects the valuation set by the Eagles.