Aston Villa are among the clubs reportedly weighing up a January move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to Football Insider. The publication stated on 1 September that Villa and Tottenham Hotspur consider the 28-year-old Frenchman a viable option when the transfer market reopens at the start of 2027.
Any immediate departure from Selhurst Park was ruled out before the summer window shut on 1 September, with Mateta having picked up a hamstring issue during training. That setback meant Palace did not face last-minute pressure to sanction a sale before the deadline passed.
With the striker’s existing agreement due to run out next summer, Football Insider claims that interested Premier League sides believe they can secure him for a significantly reduced fee in the winter. Palace are said to recognise that January represents their final realistic opportunity to generate a transfer sum for the player.
The report suggests Mateta holds considerable leverage over his own future. He could theoretically agree terms with a club outside England ahead of his contract expiring, or simply wait to evaluate his options as a free agent once the current campaign concludes.
Villa and Spurs are described by the outlet as the leading domestic suitors, though several other teams are expected to explore the situation once the new year arrives. Palace have previously demanded substantial sums for their centre-forward, but those expectations are likely to shift given the ticking clock on his deal.
No Premier League club can register a new signing until the January window opens on 1 January 2027, meaning any pursuit of Mateta remains strictly in the planning stages for now.
