Mateta Emerges as Aston Villa Target as Ollie Watkins Pushes for Saudi Pro League Move

Aston Villa are exploring a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as uncertainty over Ollie Watkins' future continues to grow.

Villa have made an enquiry about Mateta's availability as Unai Emery prepares for the possibility of losing Watkins, who is pushing for a move to the Saudi Pro League.

However, Palace currently have no intention of selling Mateta, and Villa have not submitted a formal offer.

Watkins future creates a problem for Villa

Watkins' situation has become one of the biggest stories surrounding Villa late in the transfer window.

Al-Hilal have shown interest in the England international, with the Saudi club having already made multiple bids. Villa have rejected an improved offer worth around £45 million, but Watkins is reportedly keen on making the move.

That has left Emery facing a difficult decision.

Villa need attacking reinforcements if their long-serving striker departs, particularly after Watkins was absent from the squad for their opening Premier League fixture against Brighton.

Mateta enters Villa's shortlist

Mateta has now emerged as one of the options Villa are considering.

The 29-year-old has established himself as a proven Premier League goalscorer with Palace and enjoyed another productive campaign in 2025/26, scoring 12 league goals in 32 appearances.

He also played an important role in Palace's European success, scoring in their Conference League final victory.

For Villa, Mateta would offer a physical presence and Premier League experience if Watkins leaves.

But there is currently a major obstacle.

Palace do not want to sell

Villa's enquiry has not yet developed into a formal bid, and Palace's position is clear: they currently have no interest in selling Mateta.

The striker's own future is complicated by a separate contractual dispute.

Mateta has challenged the validity of the final year of his Palace contract, which currently runs until June 2027. His attempt to have that extension declared invalid has been rejected by both an independent Premier League tribunal and FIFA.

Despite that dispute, Palace maintain that his contract remains binding.

Mateta also started Palace's opening Premier League match of the season against Everton, suggesting he remains part of the club's plans for now.

Nicolas Jackson remains another option

Mateta is not the only striker Villa are considering.

Nicolas Jackson remains a key target, with Villa having held informal discussions over a potential move for the Chelsea forward. Joshua Zirkzee has also been mentioned as another option.

The different targets underline the uncertainty surrounding Watkins.

Villa cannot afford to wait until the final moments of the transfer window before deciding how to replace their main striker if his Saudi move eventually goes through.

A complicated transfer triangle

The situation could ultimately depend on Watkins.

If Al-Hilal succeed in convincing Villa to sell, Emery will need to move quickly for a replacement.

Mateta has the Premier League experience Villa would value, but Palace's unwillingness to sell means negotiations could prove difficult.

And with the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Villa may have to choose between pushing harder for Mateta, pursuing Jackson or turning to another target.

For now, there is no agreement between Villa and Palace, and Mateta remains a Crystal Palace player.

But his name is now firmly on Villa's shortlist.

Watkins could be heading towards Saudi Arabia. Mateta could be the man Villa want to bring in — but Palace are not making the decision easy.

Fan Debate

●🔥 FIRE: Would Mateta be a good replacement for Watkins?

●😲 SHOCK: Should Villa accept Al-Hilal's interest in Watkins?

●⚽ GOAL: Who would you rather see Villa sign — Mateta or Nicolas Jackson?

●👍 LIKE: Can Mateta score regularly enough to replace Watkins?

●💬 COMMENT: What should Unai Emery do if Watkins leaves?