Crystal Palace Could Pursue Aston Villa Winger in Mateta Exchange
Crystal Palace are reportedly considering a surprising player exchange with Premier League rivals Aston Villa, as speculation intensifies around the future of star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Eagles could potentially land Villa winger Evann Guessand as part of any deal involving their prolific French forward, according to emerging transfer reports.
Mateta's Future Remains Uncertain Amid Premier League Interest
The South London club face renewed challenges in retaining their top scorer, with Aston Villa emerging as serious contenders for Mateta's signature. This development follows earlier interest from Italian giants Juventus, who reportedly baulked at Palace's £35 million valuation of the striker. Mateta's contract situation adds further urgency to negotiations, with approximately 18 months remaining on his current deal at Selhurst Park.
Palace's recent transfer history has created additional pressure in negotiations, following the controversial £20 million departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City last month. The timing of that deal reportedly left former manager Oliver Glasner furious with the club's hierarchy, creating a backdrop of instability as the January transfer window progresses.
Aston Villa's Search for Striking Reinforcement
Aston Villa's interest in Mateta appears to stem from their need for attacking alternatives, with Tammy Abraham also linked with a potential departure from Villa Park. The Midlands club would need to meet Palace's substantial asking price, which is unlikely to be reduced for a direct Premier League competitor.
Interestingly, the potential deal could involve a reciprocal arrangement, with Palace showing significant interest in Villa's young French winger Evann Guessand. The 24-year-old only joined Villa in 2025 for a fee between £26-30 million from OGC Nice, placing him at a similar valuation to Mateta in current market terms.
Guessand's Development Under Unai Emery
Villa manager Unai Emery has spoken positively about Guessand's adaptation to English football, despite the winger registering just one goal in thirteen appearances this season. In December comments, Emery praised the Frenchman's development, stating: "He needs time, and he's competing very well. I'm so, so happy with him, and especially because we are trying to get in our structure his best position to help us and support us."
The Spanish tactician added: "He's working hard to adapt quick, to get tactically everything we need. He has worked defensively very well. I am now, and I was happy. I am demanding with him, but firstly, he must be demanding himself, and he's in this commitment."
Strategic Considerations for Both Clubs
For Crystal Palace, any deal involving Mateta would create an immediate need for striking reinforcement, as Guessand primarily operates as a wideman rather than a central forward. However, the potential swap could represent strategic value for both Premier League clubs:
- Palace would acquire a promising young winger with Premier League experience
- Aston Villa would secure a proven Premier League goalscorer in his prime
- Both clubs could avoid significant cash outlays in a challenging financial climate
- The deal would address specific squad needs for each team
Mateta's international ambitions add another layer of complexity to negotiations, with the striker reportedly eyeing a place in France's World Cup squad. A move to a club competing at the higher end of the Premier League could enhance his selection prospects, adding personal motivation to any potential transfer.
As the January transfer window continues, this developing story represents one of the more intriguing potential deals between Premier League rivals, with both clubs weighing up the strategic benefits of a player exchange that could reshape their attacking options for the remainder of the season.
