Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has reportedly informed the club of his intention to leave, with growing interest from top European sides including Juventus and Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
The French forward, who has just 18 months remaining on his current contract, is understood to be unwilling to commit to a new deal and is eager to take on a new challenge elsewhere. Crystal Palace have placed a valuation of around £40 million on the 28-year-old attacker.
Italian giants Juventus are believed to have made attempts to sign Mateta during the ongoing transfer window, but negotiations have stalled due to Palace’s firm stance on their asking price. Aston Villa, who have admired the striker for some time, are also keeping close tabs on the situation and could make a move before the January window closes.
Palace head coach Oliver Glasner recently confirmed that the club would consider offers for Mateta, given his contract situation and desire to leave.
“With 18 months left on his contract, there will be a price Crystal Palace would accept. If JP wants to go and that price is met, we’ll do the deal. If not, he stays,” Glasner said.
Mateta’s uncertain future comes at a challenging time for Crystal Palace. Despite winning the FA Cup in May, the club has since experienced major changes. Star midfielder Eberechi Eze was sold to Arsenal last summer, while captain Marc Guehi completed a £20 million transfer to Manchester City earlier this month.
Glasner, who has already announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, openly criticised Palace’s recruitment strategy following a recent defeat to Sunderland, claiming the squad had been “abandoned” by the club’s hierarchy.
Crystal Palace’s on-field struggles were further highlighted earlier this month after a shocking FA Cup elimination by non-league Macclesfield, one of the competition’s biggest upsets in recent years.