Aston Villa make offer for Jean-Philippe Mateta as Ollie Watkins future hangs in balance

Aston Villa have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta by submitting an offer for the French-Congolese forward.

According to reports, the Premier League outfit have made an approach for the 29-year-old as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the close of the transfer window.

However, the initial proposal is not expected to be accepted, with Crystal Palace understood to believe the offer falls significantly below their valuation of Mateta.

Aston Villa’s interest in the striker is not new. The Midlands club have been monitoring Mateta for several months and had previously explored the possibility of bringing him to Villa Park during the January transfer window.

Their renewed pursuit comes at a time of uncertainty around Ollie Watkins. The England international has reportedly informed Villa’s management that he wants to leave the club, potentially creating a significant gap in Unai Emery’s attack.

Aston Villa’s striking options have also been affected by injuries to Tammy Abraham and teenage forward Brian Madjo, increasing the club’s need for another attacking option.

Mateta’s own situation at Palace could also influence the negotiations. The striker has entered the final stages of his current contract, which runs until June 2027, and is reportedly keen to secure a move before the transfer window shuts.

There is understood to be tension between the player and the club regarding the final year of his deal, leaving Palace facing a decision over whether to keep Mateta or cash in on him now.

The Eagles are believed to be increasingly open to a sale, particularly with the current window representing an opportunity to generate a substantial fee before the Frenchman enters the final year of his contract.

For Aston Villa, however, any move will depend on whether they can improve their proposal enough to meet Palace’s expectations.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Mateta’s future is likely to become clearer in the coming days as Villa weigh up their options in attack and Palace decide whether to sanction the striker’s departure.