Aston Villa submit formal offer to Crystal Palace for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Aston Villa have officially submitted an offer to Crystal Palace to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein. The amount proposed by the Villans has not been disclosed, but Crystal Palace deem the proposition insufficient.

Villa’s executives are seeking a replacement for Ollie Watkins, announced to be heading to Saudi Arabia, and have revived the Mateta track after failing to sign him in the previous summer transfer window. The 29-year-old striker had to remain at Selhurst Park due to a knee injury detected during negotiations.

Despite more than a month’s absence this season, Mateta has scored 16 goals and provided 3 assists across all competitions in 2025-2026. Crystal Palace, now managed by Pierre Sage, intend to value their star striker fairly before considering a sale.

The situation is all the more tense as Mateta is in open conflict with his board. He contests the validity of a one-year extension option activated in December by the club. The matter has been brought before the Premier League, and an independent tribunal ruled in the Eagles’ favour. The French international, who has seven caps for France, nonetheless wishes to leave south London this summer.

If the Mateta track were to fail, Aston Villa would turn to Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s Senegalese striker.