Aston Villa are looking to make a sensational swoop for a Premier League striker who had an incredible end to the 2023/24 campaign.
Villa are not resting during this transfer window. The club have brought in multiple new additions as they prepare for the 2024/25 campaign.
However, one area that is yet to be significantly strengthened is up top. Ollie Watkins is set to be the main man after an incredible past year, but who will be back-up is up to debate.
Cameron Archer has returned to Villa Park but has been linked away. On top of this, Jhon Duran’s career at the Birmingham outfit is likely to end this summer with West Ham chasing.
As a result, Unai Emery has now identified a potential replacement who is sure to excite fans at Villa Park.
Aston Villa linked with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta has been fantastic for Crystal Palace. When he originally joined the club in 2021, he struggled for form. In his first two campaigns, he only netted nine goals in all competitions.
However, in the 2023/24 campaign, he was incredible. The Frenchman scored 19 goals in all competitions with 16 coming in the Premier League.
Under Oliver Glasner, he was able to rekindle his impressive run in Germany. The 27-year-old scored four times in the German’s first six games in charge. This was soon followed by back-to-back braces against West Ham and Newcastle.
After netting in a 4-0 victory over Manchester United, Mateta became the first Premier League player to score in each of the manager’s first six home games since 1997.
He then rounded off the campaign with Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year Award and a hat-trick over Villa in a 5-0 win.
However, the capital side could be set to lose their striker to the Birmingham outfit. According to Charlie Gordon, Villa have made ‘contact’ with Palace for Mateta.
Talks are not advanced for the striker but it is reported that he wants Champions League football, something Emery’s side could provide.
Mateta is yet to sign a contract extension with Palace and his deal will expire in 2026.
Any developments will likely have to wait until after the Olympic Games with the striker currently competing in Paris.
Read more: Every confirmed signing and departure from Aston Villa this summer.
Jean-Philippe Mateta would be an incredible signing for Aston Villa
The striker would be a fantastic addition to the Villa squad. Mateta showed in the last campaign that he is one of the best attackers in the league.
Compared to Duran, the striker offers something different. His physical attributes could prove to be pivotal not only in the Premier League but also in the Champions League.
For a rumoured price of around £17 million, Villa will struggle to find a more experienced striker in his prime for a smaller price.
However, with Roma also chasing, the club must act fast if they are to secure his services this transfer window.
