chelsea fc
Chelsea have attempted to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The French international has made clear to Palace that he wants to leave the South London club before the January transfer window closes, and Aston Villa have already agreed terms with the player, although a fee has yet to be finalised.
Palace, who have already sold club captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City now face the loss of another key asset,
Juventus, who had been monitoring his situation, have cooled their interest, but now Chelsea are prepared to enter the fray, and have been asked to be kept informed about his position.
Mateta is the type of proven goalscorer with Premier League experience that Chelsea have long been seeking, although his profile does not fit a typical Chelsea signing in many other respects.
He is now 28 years old, and buying him on a long-term contract means he will have little resale value at the end of it.