Aston Villa Now Push For This Crystal Palace Star: Is He The Right Fit? | OneFootball

Unai Emery has officially identified Crystal Palace marksman Jean-Philippe Mateta as a top target. He wants to bolster Aston Villa’s attacking line this January. According to a new report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Midlands club formally registered their interest in the French striker earlier this week. Emery demands a physical presence to take some of the pressure off Ollie Watkins. This follows the club’s decision to let Donyell Malen join AS Roma just a few days ago.

Aston Villa Target Jean-Philippe Mateta in bold January Swoop: Ornstein Confirms Stance

Ornstein reports that Juventus previously agreed personal terms with the 28-year-old. However, the Italian giants refused to meet Palace’s £35 million valuation. This caused the move to fall through. As a result, Villa have moved to the front of the queue.

The negotiations contain an intriguing layer. Crystal Palace hold a strong interest in Villa forward Evann Guessand. The Eagles reportedly tracked Guessand last summer before he moved to Villa Park. They now see him as a potential part of the deal or a separate move to help make Mateta’s exit happen.

Mateta’s contract at Selhurst Park expires in 18 months. He has told the club he wants to leave South London immediately. Oliver Glasner recently confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season. So, the Frenchman sees this window as his best chance to secure a move. Villa’s hierarchy must now decide whether to match Palace’s firm asking price. Alternatively, they may try to use Guessand to bring down the transfer fee.

Does Mateta Fit the Villa Mould?

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace applauds after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on January 07, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

By signing Jean-Philippe Mateta, Unai Emery would make a smart, ambitious move. Villa are currently chasing a top-three finish. The squad lacks a genuine target man who can hold up the ball against teams that sit deep.

Mateta fits this specific profile perfectly. He bagged 19 goals last season under Glasner. This showed how clinical the Frenchman can be when teammates find him in the box. His physical frame offers a clear, necessary contrast to the mobile, channel-running style of Ollie Watkins.

Critics might point to the £35 million fee for a striker approaching 29 as high. However, Villa’s current situation makes the cost worth it. They sit third in the Premier League and are still competing in Europe. Relying only on Watkins is a risk Emery won’t take.

On top of that, Mateta won’t need time to get used to the Premier League’s pace. He batters defenders and wins his headers. Mateta also thrives on the kind of crosses Lucas Digne and Matty Cash put in all the time.

Sending Evann Guessand the other way might seem early since he only joined months ago. However, his struggles to make a mark on the first team suggest a quick sale could work for everyone. Villa could trade a fringe player for a proven, in-form Premier League goalscorer.

This would give their strike force a massive boost for the final part of the season. This transfer would show that Emery wants results right now rather than waiting for players to develop. That kind of thinking is what usually define teams fighting for a title.