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Unai Emery | AFP via Getty Images
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has the opportunity to boost his squad in January as his side look to rise up the Premier League table
Aston Villa delved into the summer market to bring in the likes of Evann Guessand, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho, among others. The Midlands outfit will get their next chance to sign players when the January transfer window opens up for business this winter, unless they signed any free agents in the meantime. It has been a tough start to the season for Unai Emery’s side.
They drew 0-0 with Newcastle United in their first game of the new Premier League campaign. However, they have since lost back-to-back matches against Brentford and Crystal Palace. They are back in action this weekend against Everton away in their first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Aston Villa plot Jean-Philippe Mateta move
Aston Villa have ‘already initiated’ talks with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta over a potential move, according to TEAMtalk. The report adds that he his price tag is around the £40million mark. Leeds United have also been mentioned as a suitor but he isn’t believed to be interested in a switch to Elland Road at this stage.
Mateta, 28, moved to Selhurst Park back in 2021 on an initial loan deal that was later made permanent. He hasn’t looked back since and has become a popular figure in South London. The ex-France youth international has scored 49 goals in 158 games for the Eagles to date, three of which have come this term already.
The Sevran-born man helped Oliver Glasner’s side win the FA Cup earlier this year against the odds but they could now face a battle to keep hold of him down the line amid attention from elsewhere. Prior to his transfer to England, he caught the eye in Germany with Mainz 05 and found the net on 27 occasions in 71 outings. He has also had spells in the past with LB Châteauroux, Lyon and Le Havre.
Will Aston Villa sign Jean Phillipe-Mateta?
Time will tell whether Aston Villa will be able to snap up Mateta. Crystal Palace won’t want to lose him, especially to a team in the same league. Therefore, big money would probably be needed to lure him away.
His contract expires in 2027 meaning the Eagles are under no pressure to sell him just yet. They will likely need to tie him down soon though to an extension to eradicate the risk of losing him for free in the future. He is yet to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms which means he will be able to consider his options.
Ex-Arsenal player Thierry Henry heaped praise on his fellow countryman last year and said: “He’s an old-fashioned striker, you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball. He’s a boring striker to play against, he doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender. He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores. It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension. He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace.”
If Aston Villa signed him, he would add more firepower to their attacking department. His pace and power causes serious issues to opposition defences. In addition, he has proved he can score goals at the top level.
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