Crystal Palace reverses course in the transfer amid inquiries from Juventus and Aston Villa
Crystal Palace has responded to Aston Villa and Juventus after expressing interest in a crucial player.
According to reports, Aston Villa and Juventus made bids for star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Crystal Palace turned them down.
The Frenchman is just not for sale, according to the Eagles, who have issued a noncommittal warning. This represents a significant shift in the club’s position from January, when Palace expressed an openness to selling Mateta for the right price.
According to The Standard, negotiations are still going on for Mateta to sign a new deal, which explains the hopeful swoops from other parties.
Mateta, currently completing at the Olympic Games in Paris, contributed an impressive 16 goals and five assists in 35 Premier League matches last season. The 27-year-old finally came alive after disappointing previous campaign following his €11 million (£9.2 million) transfer from Mainz in 2022.
Heading into his prime years, Mateta could have been an excellent option for Villa alongside Ollie Watkins but other options will have to be considered. Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix remains a dream target but talks are moving slowly.
Even Mateta’s team was in close communication with Unai Emery’s side in an attempt to convince the attacker to go from London to the second city of England. We’ll have to wait and see how those discussions turn out, but if Palace keeps their promise, they won’t let it to come down to personal terms.
