The stability of Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace squad is under immense strain as star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta becomes the latest key figure seeking a move away.
Following the recent departure of captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City and Glasner’s own announcement that he will leave at the end of the season, Mateta’s request signals a period of major transition for the Eagles.
The Frenchman has been in productive form, starting every league game this season and scoring eight goals, but he is reportedly eager to join a club competing at a higher European level.
Aston Villa have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature, with Unai Emery keen to bolster his attacking options for a title charge.
Villa are reportedly considering a deal that could include Evann Guessand moving in the opposite direction to mitigate Palace’s loss.
Juventus also maintain an interest, though they were recently deterred by a thirty-five million pound asking price.
For Palace, losing Mateta mid-season would represent a significant blow to their offensive output, leaving the board with a difficult decision on whether to cash in now or risk keeping a disgruntled player for the remainder of the campaign.