‘He’s a big target’ - Alan Hutton tips Aston Villa to move for 16-goal forward who ‘ripped up Olympics’

Former Aston Villa stalwart Alan Hutton has described Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta as a player that would be a ‘great addition’ to the team, but argue that the Frenchman could view a move to Villa Park as a risk at this stage in his career.

The Express reported last month that Unai Emery’s side were considering a swoop for the 27-year-old forward after talks over an extension to his Selhurst Park contract stalled in recent months. Mateta is under contract until the summer of 2026 and recently enjoyed the best top-flight campaign of his career by registering 16 Premier League goals in 35 matches, including 10 after Oliver Glasner’s appointment in February.

The forward was unfortunate to miss out on the France squad for Euro 2024, but ultimately shone for his nation in the Olympics by scoring five goals in six appearances en route to winning a silver medal. He could prove to be an incredible addition to Aston Villa’s front line and would provide depth to help the Villains in the Champions League amid speculation surrounding the future of Jhon Duran.

Commenting on speculation, Hutton told Villa News: “If Duran was to leave then I could get more on board. It’s going to be a big fee. You see Michail Olise leaving for big money, Eberechi Eze possibly leaving for big money and now Mateta.

“I thought he had an excellent season and he ripped it up at the Olympics. He’s a big target and I think he would be a great addition to the team but the only thing I would say is, he will see himself as a starter. So he’ll be coming to Aston Villa to play second fiddle to Ollie Watkins, who again had an outstanding season and did his bit in the Euros, he’s the number one striker.

“Are you willing to sit on the bench and possibly play second fiddle? Of course, you have to back yourself and he’ll probably believe that he can be a starter. But are you willing to take that risk? It’s an interesting one so we will have to wait and see.”

Mateta returned to the Crystal Palace squad earlier this week after international duty and is pushing to be included in the starting lineup for his side’s opening game away to London rivals Brentford.