Aston Villa Targets Crystal Palace’s Mateta; Palace Pursues Villa’s Guessand
Aston Villa is reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace is contemplating a move for Villa’s Evann Guessand. This transfer interest highlights a potential player exchange between the two Premier League clubs.
Aston Villa’s Interest in Mateta
Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, is keen to bolster the team’s attacking options. Mateta, who has performed admirably this season, is among several targets considered by Villa, including Tammy Abraham. However, negotiations between Villa and Besiktas for Abraham have not progressed, despite Villa officials traveling to Turkey recently.
Mateta’s Contract Situation
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract with Crystal Palace runs until June 2027. The club opted to trigger a one-year extension in December 2024. Juventus showed interest in Mateta last week but deemed the asking price of €40 million (£34.7 million, $46.6 million) too high. The Italian club’s representatives cited Mateta’s age and potential high agent fees as concerns.
Mateta’s Performance This Season
- Games Played: 22 in the Premier League
- Goals Scored: 8 in the league; 2 in cups (10 appearances)
- Previous Season Stats: 17 goals in 47 matches; significant role in winning the FA Cup
Overall, Mateta boasts 56 goals in 185 appearances for Palace. His previous stints include notable clubs like Mainz, Le Havre, and Lyon.
Evann Guessand’s Struggles at Villa
On the other side, Evann Guessand has yet to make a significant impact at Aston Villa since joining from Nantes. The 24-year-old forward has not scored in 13 Premier League matches but has netted twice in six Europa League games.
Recent Changes for Crystal Palace
- Key Departures: Captain Marc Guehi transferred to Manchester City for around £20 million ($26.8 million).
- Management Update: Oliver Glasner, the Palace manager, is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The ongoing transfer talks between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, particularly involving Mateta and Guessand, reflect strategic adjustments both clubs are considering as they navigate the current football season.
