Aston Villa interested in Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Palace eye Villa’s Guessand | OneFootball

Aston Villa have expressed an interest in Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Palace are weighing up a move for Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand, a player they pursued last summer.

Juventus enquired about Mateta last week, whose Palace deal runs to June 2027 after a one-year extension in December 2024. The Athletic reported the Italian club were unwilling to meet a €40 million valuation and had moved on, citing age, contract and agent-fee concerns.

Villa’s interest comes as Unai Emery seeks to bolster his attack, with Mateta among options alongside Tammy Abraham. There has been no breakthrough in talks between Villa and Besiktas over an English striker, despite a trip to Türkiye for the derby against Fenerbahce last month to close a deal.

Mateta, 28, has started all 22 of Palace’s Premier League matches this season and scored eight goals. He has added two more in 10 cup outings.

Guessand has yet to score in 13 Premier League appearances for Villa since arriving from Nantes in the summer. The 24-year-old has two goals in six Europa League games.

Mateta hit 17 in 47 as Palace won the FA Cup last season, and 19 in 39 in 2023-24. He has 56 in 185 for the club, having previously played for Mainz, Le Harve and Lyon.

Palace have already lost captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City for about £20 million this window. On the day that departure emerged, Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave when his contract ends at the season’s conclusion.

Source: NY Times