Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 13 April 2026 18:30, UK

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Aston Villa are planning to reignite their interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer after the Crystal Palace striker’s impressive return to action.

The 28-year-old has been missing for the Eagles since the end of January after suffering a knee injury, which was ultimately not as bad as first feared.

Mateta was set to leave Palace to join AC Milan in a £30million deal on transfer deadline day after Villa had completed the signing of Tammy Abraham, but the deal was scuppered by the injury.

The forward’s time away from the pitch has come at a convenient time, with the Selhurst Park faithful having been furious with his decision to lodge a transfer request.

Sources say Villa transfer chiefs could well take another look this summer with Mateta’s contract set to expire in 2027.

Aston Villa could take advantage of Jean-Philippe Mateta situation

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Palace will drop Mateta’s valuation in the summer, with his contract situation likely requiring a sale.

The striker remains an attractive proposition for any team, especially given the way that he has returned from injury.

Some Palace fans were unsure how to react to Mateta’s return to Selhurst Park, but his penalty against Fiorentina last week saw them soon singing his name once more.

And when the 28-year-old scored a quick-fire brace to see the home side beat Newcastle United 2-1 on Sunday, grievances were well and truly forgotten.

All parties will hope for a smoother saga this summer, and it could well be that Villa return for the striker’s services.

Unai Emery’s usage of January arrival Abraham has been sporadic, with the striker scoring just once in nine Premier League appearances since returning.

But much of the focus is directed on Ollie Watkins, with his future at Villa Park certainly beginning to grow cloudy.

Ollie Watkins could be shipped out

Watkins has been ever-reliable for Villa over the years, but this season has seen a dramatic drop-off in his abilities.

The striker has provoked mounting frustration, allowing big misses to seep into his game while failing to make up for them elsewhere as he did last season.

Emery has continued to place his faith in the 30-year-old, but should an appropriate offer arrive this summer, Villa could well be set to let the striker leave.

Mateta would appear a perfect replacement, although the Frenchman is certainly not free of the issues Watkins has suffered from.