Shock contender emerges in race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta as odds slashed
Jean-Philippe has reportedly told Crystal Palace that he intends to leave the club before the transfer window closes.
Aston Villa are attempting to sign Mateta, with Unai Emery hoping to bolster his forward line amid a slight wobble.
The Villans have failed to win either of their last two Premier League games, and fell to a disappointing defeat against Everton on Sunday.
Man United have shown previous interest in Mateta, and a move could make sense as decision-makers consider the summer appointment of Oliver Glasner.
Glasner intends to leave Palace in the summer, with the Eagles facing a mass exodus at Selhurst Park.
Favourite named in race for Jean-Philippe Mateta
It has been an incredibly brutal six weeks for Palace, who have been slammed down to Earth in more ways than one.
The Eagles won the FA Cup at the end of last season and looked to be pushing on near the top of the Premier League in the first months of the new campaign.
But in a stunning collapse, Glasner’s side have failed to win any of their last 10 consecutive games across all competitions.
Just hours after it was revealed that Marc Guehi was set to join Man City, the Austrian confirmed that he will leave the club in the summer.
And the 51-year-old could be joined by several other players, too. Along with Guehi, Adam Wharton, Daniel Munoz, Maxence Lacroix and Ismaila Sarr have all attracted interest elsewhere.
That is not to mention Mateta, who has now told Palace that he wishes to leave the club and will not extend the 18 months that remain on his contract.
Villa have been named the favourite to sign the striker with odds slashed to 8/11, and the Premier League side are closely followed by Juventus (15/8) and AC Milan (4/1), according to one major bookmaker.
Nottingham Forest have emerged as a shock contender to sign Mateta, and are at 13/2 to stun the other interested parties.
What Oliver Glasner said about Mateta exit
Glasner did not keep anything hidden when he spoke about Mateta’s future at Palace last week.
“There will be a price that Crystal Palace [accept], with 18 months left on his contract,” he explained. “We’d do the deal, if JP wants. If nobody pays that price, then he will stay.”
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Shots | 52 |
| Successful dribbles | 14 |
| Duels won | 87 |
The striker has netted 10 goals in 33 games across all competitions this season, and fired in 17 last season.
He could be among several Palace stars to leave in the coming months, with decision-makers at Selhurst Park facing serious issues.