Aston Villa could have pushed for Mateta if their financial situation were easier | OneFootball

Aston Villa are looking to add another striker to their roster, aiming to maintain their grip on a top-four spot.

According to the Daily Mail, if their financial situation were easier, it would be no surprise to see Villa move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Unfortunately, Aston Villa may not have the financial room to secure a deal for the Frenchman due to their PSR/SCR demons.

The Villains could use the 28-year-old, who is a ‘nightmare’ for defenders, after Donyell Malen exited the club this winter, leaving a massive hole behind Ollie Watkins.

The Birmingham-based outfit desperately needs to bolster that attacking line and has since turned to Tammy Abraham.

However, snapping up Abraham is proving difficult for Unai Emery’s side because he is currently on loan at Besiktas.

That reality leaves Villa at a crossroads, because standing still is not an option.

Relying almost exclusively on Watkins carries obvious risk. One injury or dip in form could derail months of excellent work. The Villans need another striker this winter.

One name that should be firmly on their radar is Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Norwegian has shown he can operate as a focal point, link play intelligently and finish chances when service is consistent.

A move to Villa Park could be the reset his season needs, and Emery’s track record of improving forwards suggests he could help Strand Larsen rediscover his sharpness.

Crucially, he would offer a different profile to Watkins, giving the team tactical flexibility in tight games.

Equally urgent is the midfield. With Boubacar Kamara now ruled out until the end of the season, the spine of this side has been weakened at a critical moment.

Villa must add steel and control in the middle if they are to protect their defence and sustain pressure up top.

Addressing both areas could define whether this promising campaign ends in success or frustration.