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Mateta now open to joining Aston Villa after ‘collapsed’ Juventus move
Aston Villa have been given a boost in their pursuit of one player after making a discreet approach to sign him.
Unai Emery targeting new forward and midfielder for Villa
According to various reports this month, a new striker and midfielder is believed to be on the agenda at Villa Park, with winger Leon Bailey also recalled from his Roma loan as Evan Guessand attracts Crystal Palace interest.
Villa’s January window has also intensified dramatically following Donyell Malen’s departure to Roma, with Unai Emery now desperately seeking a new striker despite severe financial restrictions.
Negotiations have reportedly proven to be complicated due to PSR and upcoming Squad Cost Ratio limitations, and that could’ve cost Villa a deal for Conor Gallagher when Spurs swooped in and offered Atlético Madrid better terms.
According to reports, Tammy Abraham remains a primary Villa target to bolster their striking options, despite ongoing obstacles.
Officials apparently travelled to Istanbul on Monday to watch the striker in action and hold talks about his situation at Besiktas, where he faces a triggered purchase obligation from Roma.
Aston Villa now offered another former Chelsea star alongside Tammy Abraham
He could emerge as another January option.
Villa are said to have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Abraham over a return to Villa Park, but finding acceptable arrangements between three different parties has created a significant roadblock.
With Abraham talks stalling, David Ornstein, among others, have reported Villa have pivoted toward Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as an alternative solution.
The French forward is a Premier League-proven option who could integrate immediately, having scored seven league goals this season, following up from his 17 in all competitions last term.
Juventus were in talks over signing Mateta too, but allegedly refused to meet Palace’s asking price, positioning Villa as potential frontrunners should they pursue the move aggressively.
The 28-year-old is believed to be very keen on leaving Selhurst Park this month, and as a result, he’s open to joining Emery’s side.
Jean-Philippe Mateta open to Aston Villa move
That is at least according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who shared an intriguing update via TEAMtalk.
As per his information, Villa have emerged as surprise contenders for Mateta after his proposed move to Juventus collapsed. The number nine is also said to be furious with Palace following the breakdown in negotiations between the two clubs.
Mateta had already agreed personal terms with Juve that would have nearly doubled his current wages, but discussions failed to progress when Palace demanded £35 million for the striker.
Alas, the Italian giants were unable to meet the Eagles’ valuation, leaving the forward deeply annoyed and seeking an alternative escape route from Selhurst Park.
Villa have now ‘quietly sounded out’ Mateta’s availability as Emery hunts for additional firepower to bolster his attacking options. TT report Villa’s recruitment team are assessing whether a deal can be completed before the window closes.
His physical presence and proven Premier League record make him an attractive solution for Emery’s side, who are simultaneously pursuing other targets, with Troy Deeney hailing Mateta as a ‘big’ and ‘powerful’ centre-forward.
Villa do remain in talks over Abraham though, maintaining negotiations with Roma and Besiktas as they explore multiple avenues to strengthen their forward line.
Mateta has also expressed openness to joining Villa after his botched Serie A switch as he seeks to engineer his departure this month.
It will be interesting to see how this story develops, but it is safe to say Mateta is being chased as an alternative to Abraham if negotations fall through.
