Aston Villa Emerge as Contenders for Crystal Palace Striker After Juventus Stalemate
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has become the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Aston Villa now registering concrete interest after Juventus failed to secure a deal for the French forward. The 28-year-old, who has expressed a desire to leave Selhurst Park this month, finds himself at the centre of a developing Premier League saga that could reshape attacking options for several clubs.
Juventus Withdraw After Failing to Meet Palace's Valuation
Mateta had appeared destined for Turin after reportedly agreeing personal terms with Juventus, but negotiations between the Italian giants and Crystal Palace ultimately collapsed. The Serie A club is understood to have offered up to €30 million (£26 million), falling significantly short of Palace's €40 million valuation. This impasse has prompted Juventus to shift their attention towards Fenerbahçe's Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri instead.
The breakdown of this potential transfer has created an opportunity for Aston Villa, who are actively seeking attacking reinforcements following Donyell Malen's departure to Roma last week. Villa's management are currently deliberating whether to formalise their interest with a substantial bid for Mateta, whose goal-scoring record under Oliver Glasner has been particularly impressive.
Mateta's Impressive Form and Contract Situation
Since Glasner's arrival at Crystal Palace nearly two years ago, only four Premier League players have scored more goals than Mateta. This consistent productivity, combined with his contract having less than eighteen months remaining, makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking proven top-flight firepower. Villa manager Unai Emery views the French international as someone who could significantly bolster his squad's attacking options during the second half of the season.
Complicating Villa's pursuit is their parallel interest in Roma's Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at Besiktas. That potential move faces obstacles regarding recall clauses and permanent transfer obligations, making Mateta a potentially more straightforward acquisition despite the higher transfer fee involved.
Crystal Palace's Contingency Planning and Replacement Targets
Should Mateta depart this month, Crystal Palace have already identified several potential replacements. The club maintains interest in Aston Villa's Evann Guessand, a player they attempted to sign from Nice last summer before he opted for Villa in a £30 million move. The Ivorian forward has seen limited Premier League action this season and recently returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Palace have also been monitoring Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen as another possible option, while continuing talks with Angers regarding their 19-year-old prospect Sidiki Chérif. In a separate development, the South London club are reportedly considering Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as a potential successor to Oliver Glasner, whose departure is anticipated in the summer.
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri Poised for Marseille Loan Move
In another significant transfer development, Arsenal's highly-rated midfielder Ethan Nwaneri appears set to join Marseille on loan until the season's conclusion. The 18-year-old England Under-21 international, who signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal in August, has seen limited first-team opportunities this campaign despite his breakthrough performances last season.
Game Time Priority for Promising Youngster
Nwaneri has accumulated just 165 minutes of Premier League football this season, with his last league appearance coming as a substitute in November's north London derby. Arsenal initially hesitated to sanction a loan departure given their involvement in four competitions, but have now recognised the importance of regular playing time for the teenager's development.
While Crystal Palace and West Ham United both expressed interest in temporary deals for Nwaneri, Marseille have emerged as the preferred destination following positive discussions with the Premier League leaders. The French club, managed by former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi, will pay a loan fee but won't have an option to make the move permanent, reflecting Arsenal's long-term plans for their academy graduate.
Additional Arsenal Departures Anticipated
The potential departure of Nwaneri coincides with other expected exits from the Emirates Stadium. Oleksandr Zinchenko appears likely to leave Arsenal permanently, with Ajax currently in discussions regarding the Ukrainian international. The left-back is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest but has started only four Premier League games this season, prompting Arsenal to consider a permanent sale.
Nwaneri travelled with Arsenal's squad for their Champions League fixture against Inter Milan on Tuesday, with his move to Marseille expected to be finalised later this week. This temporary switch represents a strategic decision by Arsenal to ensure one of their most promising talents receives the competitive experience necessary for his continued development.
