Aston Villa have been given further clarity over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation after the Crystal Palace striker failed in an attempt to have the final year of his contract ruled invalid. Villa have already enquired about the 29-year-old as Unai Emery considers potential replacements for Ollie Watkins.
Mail Sport journalist Tom Collomosse reported on Saturday that Villa had asked about Mateta’s availability.
There has been no offer from Villa and Palace currently have no intention of selling him.
That position has now been strengthened by an important development surrounding Mateta’s contract.
Mateta suffers setback in Crystal Palace exit push
The Guardian reports that Mateta disputed the validity of the 12-month option Palace activated in his contract in 2024.
An independent tribunal under Premier League regulations ruled against the striker last season.
Mateta then took the matter to FIFA, but his claim was unsuccessful after the governing body ruled that it did not have jurisdiction over the dispute.
Palace maintain that Mateta remains under contract until June 2027.
That is significant for Villa.
Mateta has been trying to secure a move away from Selhurst Park and Villa are among the clubs interested in him, but the contract situation means Palace remain firmly in control of negotiations.
Any attempt from Villa to turn their enquiry into a transfer would therefore require an agreement with the Eagles.
Palace’s current reluctance to sell remains the biggest obstacle.
Aston Villa continue Watkins replacement search
Villa’s interest in Mateta comes with Watkins’ future unresolved.
The club have already rejected an improved £45million offer from Al-Hilal for Watkins, while Emery has acknowledged that Villa have received offers for the England international.
Mateta is not Villa’s only option.
Nicolas Jackson remains a major target and Villa have already made a proposal to the Chelsea striker.
Villa have also enquired about Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Mateta offers something different as an established Premier League striker, but his Palace situation makes a deal complicated.
The France international scored his 50th Premier League goal last season and later helped Palace win the UEFA Conference League.
Villa’s initial enquiry confirms their interest.
The latest contract development, however, makes clear that any move will have to be negotiated directly with Palace rather than Mateta becoming available outside the terms of his existing deal.
