Villa enters January transfer race for Mateta: Juventus in pursuit
20 January 2026
Villa enters January race for Mateta
A British newspaper report on Tuesday said Aston Villa has entered the race to sign French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.
According to The Athletic, Villa has shown interest in Mateta, while Crystal Palace weigh a possible move for Ivan Jasan from the Eagles.
Villa's interest comes as the club seeks to bolster its attack, with Mateta among several options alongside Tammy Abraham of Roma.
Juventus has tabled a fresh bid to Crystal Palace for Mateta in this window.
Juventus aims to sign Mateta on loan until season’s end for €2.5 million, with a €30.5 million buy option.
The report adds the buyout clause becomes mandatory if Juventus qualify for any European competition next season.
Crystal Palace reportedly rejected Juventus' initial offer, asking for €35 million.
Mateta has reportedly agreed to move to Juventus in this window, but Juventus has yet to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace.
Mateta's contract with Palace runs through 2027.
Punchline 1: If Mateta scores, Villa might prove January isn’t just a cold, windy month for transfers.
Punchline 2: And if the deal collapses, Palace can claim their price tag is warmer than the forecast.
