Aston Villa have made an enquiry about Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to reports, as the French international remains locked in a contractual dispute with his current club.
The 29-year-old forward has been identified as a potential backup option for Ollie Watkins, with Villa looking to add attacking depth ahead of a demanding season that includes Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup commitments.
As per the Mail, Villa have enquired about a move for Mateta, although Crystal Palace have no intention of selling their talisman. No concrete offer has been made for the player at present.
Contract dispute reaches FIFA
Mateta is currently involved in a contractual dispute with Palace over the final year of his deal. According to 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.
Mateta initially signed for Palace in 2021 on an 18-month loan, before putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract the following January. That deal included an option for a 12-month extension, which Palace activated in 2024, meaning his current contract is due to run until the end of the 2026/27 season.
However, Mateta argues that the final year of his contract – the optional extra year – ought to be null and void. It is understood that his case was heard by an independent tribunal under Premier League rules, and he has also taken his case to FIFA, who have ruled that overturning the claim is not within its governance.
Villa's summer recruitment drive
Villa have lost several key players heading into the new Premier League season, including Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne. Despite those departures, Unai Emery's squad remains well-stocked for the challenges ahead.
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.
Mateta featured in Palace's starting XI for Saturday's 2-0 loss to Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, before being substituted 63 minutes in for Jorgen Strand Larsen. It means the Frenchman will be required to see out the remainder of his contract with Palace, regardless of his belief.
What next for Villa and Mateta?
Villa are set to face Brighton at the AMEX Stadium in their own Premier League curtain raiser on Sunday at 2pm. Whether they return with an improved offer for Mateta remains to be seen, but Palace's stance appears firm for now.
