Aston Villa Eye Jean-Philippe Mateta as Ollie Watkins Pushes for Saudi Pro League Transfer

Aston Villa are considering a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after their forward Ollie Watkins expressed a desire to join the Saudi Pro League. The club has already started talks over bringing in Mateta as a possible replacement.

Watkins' Future Uncertain

According to reports from GiveMeSport, Aston Villa face a tricky situation in the transfer window. Their key striker Ollie Watkins is actively pushing for a transfer, attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League and dealing with multiple rejected bids from Al-Hilal. With the transfer deadline approaching, Villa must decide whether to let go of their England international.

The pressure mounts after a tough 4-0 loss to Brighton in Villa’s opening game, a match where Watkins was notably missing. Keeping a player who is unsettled and not part of the squad seems difficult, forcing the club to explore alternatives quickly.

Mateta Emerges as Leading Replacement

Alongside other names such as Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, Mateta has become Villa’s main target. Discussions have reportedly taken place regarding a potential transfer for the French striker.

Mateta’s contract situation at Selhurst Park gives Villa an advantage, with only 12 months left on his deal. Recent disputes about his contract’s validity make Palace more open to offers, improving Villa’s chances of securing him.

Strong Premier League Credentials

Mateta offers proven performance in the Premier League. In the 2025–26 season, he played 32 matches and scored 12 goals for Crystal Palace. His physical style stands out with averages of two shots and 2.1 aerial duels won per game, making him a valuable asset for Villa’s attack.

While targets like Jackson may be harder to get, Mateta looks like a realistic and effective option to boost Villa’s frontline.

Race Against Time

With the transfer window closing soon, Villa’s management must act fast to solve their striker dilemma. Should Watkins leave, securing a replacement swiftly is critical to avoid further disruption to the squad.

The next few days will be crucial as Villa try to manage this important transition and refocus on their season. Fans will watch closely to see which route the club chooses before the deadline passes.

• Premier League Fixture: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
• Date: 31 Aug 2026
• Kickoff Time: 21:00