Aston Villa have submitted a bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta as they step up their search for a potential replacement for Ollie Watkins, although the offer falls significantly short of Crystal Palace’s valuation.
David Ornstein reports that Villa’s interest in the 29-year-old remains active despite the gap between their proposal and Palace’s asking price. The precise value of the bid has not been disclosed.
Villa have also presented an indicative offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leão, with both attacking moves linked to the uncertainty surrounding Watkins.
Aston Villa submit Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer bid
The approach represents clear progress after Villa initially enquired about Mateta’s availability without submitting an offer.
Palace are under no immediate obligation to sell. Mateta remains under contract until June 2027 following an unsuccessful challenge against an extension activated by the club.
The Guardian reports that the striker disputed the validity of the final year of his deal. An independent Premier League tribunal ruled against him, while FIFA declined to intervene because it did not have jurisdiction.
That situation strengthens Palace’s negotiating position. Although Mateta wants to explore a move, Villa must reach an agreement directly with the London club.
The France international offers established Premier League experience and the physical presence Villa lacked during Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton. However, there is no indication that Palace have accepted Villa’s opening proposal or that a transfer is close.
Jean-Philippe Mateta move linked to Ollie Watkins situation
Villa’s pursuit of Mateta is connected to the continuing uncertainty around Watkins, who missed the Brighton defeat while Al-Hilal continued attempting to sign him.
Watkins has since returned to training and apologised to his teammates, but that development does not automatically mean he will remain at Villa Park.
The striker has also rejected a proposed four-year contract offer, while Villa previously turned down a £45million approach from Al-Hilal.
Unai Emery’s side are simultaneously advancing their interest in Leão. Villa opened talks with Milan over a potential £43million move, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that the Portugal international is open to joining.
The latest indication that Villa have submitted an informal proposal to Milan represents further progress, although it does not amount to an agreement between the clubs.
Mateta and Leão would also offer different attacking profiles. Mateta operates as a central striker, while Leão typically attacks from the left, meaning Villa’s interest could reflect separate recruitment needs rather than a straight choice between the pair.
Villa have already encountered strong competition for Nicolas Jackson, increasing the importance of maintaining several attacking options.
For now, the significant development is that Villa have moved beyond an enquiry for Jean-Philippe Mateta. Palace’s valuation remains the main obstacle, with any further progress potentially shaped by what happens next with Watkins.
