Crystal Palace knock back Aston Villa enquiry over Mateta
· Yahoo Sports
Aston Villa enquired about Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta this week, according to the Daily Mail.
The Villains are searching for attacking reinforcement with Ollie Watkins angling for a move away from the Birmingham-based club.
Visit betsport.cv for more information.
Mateta is on the Villa shortlist after earmarking himself as a capable scorer in the English top flight. He bagged 12 goals in the Premier League last season in 32 appearances.
The France international (seven caps, two goals) played a key role as his side won the Europa Conference League, scoring in the final.
Unai Emery could use another experienced, lethal forward in his line-up as Aston Villa prepare for a demanding season domestically and in Europe.
The Villans had been eyeing Nicolas Jackson, but his £65 million price tag is likely scaring the Europa League champions away.
Mateta is a much cheaper option for the club, considering that they need to be financially responsible as they still have other positions to reinforce.
The enquiry was turned down, but they could still sell him, as he wants to leave.
But Villa should not go for Mateta
While Mateta is a very decent striker ( 62 goals and 14 assists in 203 appearances for Palace), Villa should not fall into the trap of signing him.
First, his tendency to miss big chances these days is frustrating. It is just as bad as Jackson’s.
Last term, he missed 20 big chances in the Premier League and has started this campaign by missing two as his side lost their Premier League opener 2-0.
While Jackson is even less clinical, his age, pace, ability on the ball, and work off it make him the better fit.
The Senegalese forward has also worked with Emery before, which will aid his adaptation at Villa Park.
Add to that the fact that Mateta is currently involved in a dispute with his club that he escalated to FIFA, and it is not worth the effort for Villa.