Aston Villa have submitted an offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports, but the proposal reportedly fell well short of the valuation Palace have placed on the French international. The bid comes as Villa scramble to reinforce their attacking line ahead of a demanding season.

Why Villa Are Chasing Mateta

Villa's urgent need for a striker stems from multiple pressures at once. The future of first-choice forward Ollie Watkins remains uncertain, while injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo have left the club thin up front. The situation was underlined sharply when Villa were beaten 4-0 by Brighton in their Premier League opener — a result that exposed the depth problem in attack. Watkins, who was absent from that fixture, subsequently apologised to the club.

The Contract Dispute at Palace

Mateta's situation at Selhurst Park is complicated by an ongoing contractual disagreement. The striker joined Crystal Palace in January 2022 on a four-and-a-half-year deal that included an option for a one-year extension. Palace exercised that clause in 2024, tying Mateta to the club through the end of the current season. Mateta contested the validity of that extension before the Premier League, but according to reports, the contract has been upheld as valid.

The AC Milan Near-Miss

Mateta came close to departing in the winter transfer window, with AC Milan reportedly set to sign him for €30 million. The move collapsed after the striker sustained a knee injury. He returned to fitness and made an immediate impact, scoring in Crystal Palace's victorious UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano — a performance that will only have strengthened Palace's resolve to hold firm on their valuation.

Villa's Wider Transfer Activity

Mateta is not the only attacking target on Villa's radar. The club have also reportedly lodged an indicative offer for Rafael Leao of AC Milan, and Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea is understood to remain on their shortlist. The breadth of their pursuit suggests Villa's recruitment team is casting a wide net, aware that at least one deal must be concluded before the window closes.

What Happens Next

With Palace holding firm and Villa's initial bid falling short, any deal for Mateta would require Villa to significantly improve their offer. Palace's leverage is reinforced by the confirmed contract validity and Mateta's recent Conference League final goal. Whether Villa return with an improved bid — or pivot entirely to Leao or Jackson — could define their season before it has barely begun.