Crystal Palace knock back Aston Villa enquiry for Mateta | OneFootball

Aston Villa enquired about Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this week, according to the Daily Mail.

The Villains are searching for attacking reinforcements with Ollie Watkins angling for a move.

Mateta is on Villa’s shortlist after earmarking himself as a capable scorer in the English top flight. He bagged 12 goals in the Premier League in 32 appearances last season.

The France international played a key role as Palace won the Europa Conference League, scoring in the final.

Manager Unai Emery could use another experienced forward in his squad as Villa prepare for a demanding season domestically and in Europe.

The Villans had been eyeing Nicolas Jackson, but his £65 million price tag is prohibitive.

Mateta is a much cheaper option for the club, considering that they need to be financially responsible as they still have other positions to reinforce.

Villa should not go for Mateta

While Mateta is a very decent striker, Villa should not fall into the trap of signing him.

He missed 20 big chances in the Premier League last term and started this campaign by missing two as Palace lost their Premier League opener 2-0 at Everton.

Jackson is even less clinical. However, his age, pace, ability on the ball and work off it make him the better fit.

The Senegalese forward has also worked with Emery before, which will aid his adaptation.

Mateta is currently involved in a dispute with his club that he escalated to FIFA, and he is not worth the effort for Villa.