Aston Villa are reportedly in club-to-club talks to sign the France international, who rejected a new contract in favor of leaving the club, and has already agreed personal terms to join Unai Emery’s side.
Aston Villa are set to have a busy season starting at the end of January
Villa have ramped up their recruitment efforts in January despite well-documented financial constraints.
The Midlands side simply need to strengthen their attack after Donyell Malen left for Roma, but PSR regulations continue to limit spending (Sky Sports).
Villa representatives traveled to Istanbul on Monday night to observe top target Tammy Abraham against Besiktas (Sky Sports). He conveniently fit in with Emery’s side, who are in Turkey in preparation for Thursday’s game against Fenerbahce.
The 28-year-old striker enjoyed great success at Villa Park during his loan spell from Chelsea, scoring 26 goals in 40 appearances and helping the Villans win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
However, Abraham’s current situation is quite complicated. He joined Besiktas on loan from Roma last summer but has already triggered a performance-based buyout clause (Sky Sports), making negotiations “complicated” in the words of David Ornstein.
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Unai Emery’s side have been busy this month.
Besiktas also want to secure a replacement before letting Abraham leave (Sky Sports), creating a number of hurdles for a January transfer.
His productivity this season has remained impressive, with 13 goals in 26 games in all competitions, and he still appears to be Villa’s top target after agreeing personal terms.
Strengthening the midfield is also a big part of Villa’s plans.
Recent reports have suggested that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a genuine option, with Villa said to have held “initial talks” to sign the 29-year-old England international after missing out on Conor Gallagher (Fabrizio Romano).
Villa look poised to be quite busy as we enter the final stretch of January, but if they can’t get Abraham over the line, negotiations with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta could be even more successful.
It was reported earlier this week that Mateta was being targeted as a potential replacement for Abraham, with the 28-year-old said to be open to leaving Selhurst Park and joining Emery’s side.
Football Transfers are now reporting that he is not just open.
Jean-Philippe Mateta agrees terms to join Aston Villa
According to their sources, Villa have already successfully negotiated personal terms with Mateta and are in a good position in the race to sign him.
The development follows a failed loan deal with Juventus that opened the way for Emery to secure the Frenchman, who is eyeing a place in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad.
The forward has informed Palace of his intention to leave before the January deadline and Mateta believes his best chance of becoming a World Cup player is to join a club with a good chance of playing or qualifying for the Champions League.
Negotiations between the clubs continue after Mateta agreed to join Villa, with Palace valuing the striker at between £31m and £35m.
The Eagles are also in talks with multiple European suitors in addition to Villa and Juventus, which is important for a player who is nearing 29 and in the final hectic period of his contract.
Mateta has also rejected Palace’s offer of a new five-year contract worth £80,000-a-week in favor of leaving the club this month, forcing manager Oliver Glasner’s side to consider a bid.
Chelsea have also been in contact with Mateta’s agent, but the true extent of their interest remains unclear. The Blues appear to be monitoring developments rather than actively pursuing a deal at this stage.
For Villa, Mateta is an achievable target following Malen’s departure, offering proven Premier League experience and immediate attacking reinforcement to maintain their top-four challenge.
However, this could also potentially cast doubt on his reunion with Abraham.
£35m star opens up possibility of move to Aston Villa after Juventus move ‘collapsed’
The Villains can now pick him up instead.
