The forward has previously attracted interest from Manchester United and wants a move this January
Crystal Palace have named their price for Jean-Phillipe Mateta after the striker requested a transfer away from the South London club. Juventus and Aston Villa appear to be the main contenders for the French international’s signature.
Mateta, who has a year-and-a-half to run on his Palace deal, arrived at the club four years ago from Mainz for a fee of €11 million. Now, the Eagles are looking to quadruple their money as they are loath to lose yet another prized asset.
ESPN have reported that Crystal Palace are looking for a fee in the region of €46 million for the 28-year-old. It is not surprising that the club will be looking for serious money after losing their captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City last week for €23 million.
Mateta hands in transfer request
Following speculation about his future, it has been reported by ESPN that Mateta has expressed his desire to leave Crystal Palace this window. The Frenchman helped the side win the FA Cup last season and has 10 goals in 33 games for Palace this season.
Money could be the stumbling block to a move this month, however, with Juventus reportedly unwilling to meet Palace’s asking price. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest cooled following the departure of Rúben Amorim.
That could put Aston Villa in pole position to sign the 28-year-old, who would likely be keen on such a move as he is believed to have ambitions to play in the Champions League and the Villans are well poised to secure that for next season.
However, the Birmingham-based club are believed to be targeting Tammy Abraham as their priority option at centre forward.
Mateta’s situation depends on many factors
A number of other clubs in the Premier League and abroad are monitoring Mateta’s situation and this is one that could go down to the wire. Any deal may eventually dependent on Palace compromising on the fee or the player on his European ambitions.
With many clubs in the market for strikers in this window, the knock-on effect of any other moves or failed moves could also impact Mateta’s situation. If Villa move on from Abraham, Mateta could get his wish this month.
For Crystal Palace this is just another setback in this period of turmoil at the club. As well as losing Guéhi, the club will also be saying goodbye to head coach Oliver Glasner in the summer.
The Eagles will also have to move quickly to replace the striker as they look to recover from FA Cup humiliation at the hands of Macclesfield Town and salvage the rest of their season.