Aston Villa have made an enquiry about Jean-Philippe Mateta, amid a contractual dispute between the French international striker and his current club of Crystal Palace
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
21:48, 22 Aug 2026
Jean-Philippe Mateta is linked with a move to Aston Villa(Image: PA)
Aston Villa are targeting a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta, as the French striker finds himself embroiled in a contractual dispute with Crystal Palace.
The Villans have lost a number of key players as they head into a new Premier League season, including Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne.
However, Unai Emery is well-stacked for the challenge that lies ahead, as he looks to navigate Premier League and Champions League football, as well as domestic cup competitions.
Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes have been brought in as midfield reinforcement, while Matteo Ruggeri, Moudou Keba Cisse and Aaron Wan-Bissaka strengthen the backline. Zion Suzuki has also joined the club from Parma as a new option in goal.
And it now looks as though the club are looking for backup for Ollie Watkins, with Mateta highlighted as a potential target.
As per the Mail, the Villans have enquired about a move for the Frenchman, although the Eagles have no intention to sell their talisman. No concrete offer has been made for the 29-year-old at present.
It comes as Mateta is currently involved in a contractual dispute with his current club. As per BBC Sport, the centre-forward has launched an official dispute with FIFA over the remainder of his contract, which is set to expire next summer.
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Mateta initially signed for Palace in 2021 in an 18-month loan, before signing a four and a half year contract with the club the following January.
That contract also included an option for a 12 month extension, which Palace activated in 2024. That means that Mateta’s current deal is set to expire at the end of 2026/27.
However, Mateta argues that the final year of his contract – which lands as the optional extra year – ought to be null and voided. It is understood that the Frenchman’s case was heard by an independent tribunal under Premier League rules.
He has also taken his case to FIFA, who have ruled that overturning the claim is not within its governance.
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But the 29-year-old is claiming the final year of his contract – the optional extra year – should be void and it is understood Mateta’s case was heard by an independent tribunal under the Premier League’s rules.
It means that Mateta will be required to see out the remainder of his contract with Palace, regardless of his belief. The player featured in Palace’s starting XI for Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, substituted 63 minutes in for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Villa are set to face Brighton at the AMEX Stadium in their own Premier League curtain raiser on Sunday at 2pm.