Villa's Mateta Chase: Palace Hold Firm at £40m as Emery Eyes Striker Reinforcements

Aston Villa face a hefty asking price in their pursuit of Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the Eagles demanding £40m for the French forward this January.

Emery's men are actively hunting for reinforcements up front following the departure of Donyell Malen, and the Palace marksman has emerged as a leading target. According to reports, the South London club would entertain an offer at that figure, though they remain reluctant to lose one of their standout performers mid-season.

Villa's recent form—including Sunday's commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle—has left them just four points adrift of Arsenal at the summit, with European commitments adding to their fixture congestion. The club's simultaneous involvement at the top of the Europa League group stage underscores their need for squad depth.

Elsewhere, Villa are also tracking ex-Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at Turkish outfit Besiktas, as they weigh their options in the market.

The Palace situation presents complications. The Eagles have already knocked back a loan-with-obligation proposal from Juventus that didn't align with their requirements, and now face pressure from Villa's enquiries. Observers suggest Palace would prefer to keep Mateta through to summer rather than sell now, though his contract situation has compressed his valuation somewhat.

Mateta remains Palace's leading goalscorer, and losing him during a period of institutional turbulence would represent a significant blow to their campaign.

On the outgoing front, Villa themselves may need to balance the books. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, despite his elite status, has been linked with moves elsewhere, and the club are understood to have set an asking price of £30-40m for the Argentine stopper.

Martinez has experienced a dip in form over the past 18 months, yet remains among the world's elite at his position. Inter Milan are eyeing goalkeeping reinforcements for the summer, with Yan Sommer's contract situation in flux, and the Italian giants could represent an appealing destination for the Villa Park number one.

However, any deal would present significant hurdles. Martinez's contract extends until 2029, and his substantial wage packet at Villa would need matching elsewhere. Still, a project of Inter's stature could prove enticing to the 32-year-old.