Forget Jackson Aston Villa Make Bid on Benteke‑style Mateta

With Ollie Watkins pushing for a move to the Saudi Pro League, Aston Villa face a sudden void in attack. Unai Emery’s options, Tammy Abraham and teenage Brian Madjo, are not yet ready to lead the line full‑time, leaving the West Midlands club desperate for a proven Premier League striker.

Jackson link and price

Chelsea have been heavily linked with striker Nicolas Jackson, but the player has been ostracised at Stamford Bridge after a loan spell at Bayern Munich where he scored 11 goals and supplied three assists in 24 appearances. Reports suggest Aston Villa have tabled a £60 million offer, yet Chelsea appear to hold out for at least £65 million, prompting Villa to consider alternatives. The uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s future has accelerated Villa’s search for a replacement.

Mateta as Benteke‑style target

Crystal Palace’s 29‑year‑old French striker Jean‑Philippe Mateta has signalled his intent to leave, arguing that the final year of his Selhurst Park contract is invalid. Villa have reportedly submitted a formal proposal to Palace, offering a relatively modest fee as the player enters the last 12 months of his deal and promising Champions League football on a short‑term contract. Mateta’s physical presence and ability to hold up play echo former Villa talisman Christian Benteke, making him a perfect fit alongside wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Leon Bailey. Villa will sign the French striker, who is Just like Benteke, to provide a focal point for their attack.

Aston Villa already have Jorgen Strand Larsen, Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand on their books, ensuring depth should Mateta depart in the future. The club are also preparing a move for Rafael Leão, a wide runner who would complement a physical number nine. With natural wingers and a Pro‑level work ethic, Villa’s attack will gain the balance required to replace Watkins.

Statistical data from the 2023/24 Premier League season shows Jackson edged Mateta in expected goals per 90, yet Mateta’s ability to use his size intelligently and involve teammates gives him an edge in Villa’s tactical setup.

The club’s targeting of Mateta indicates a shift away from the Watkins‑type striker, whose strengths lie in making runs behind and into channels.

Alfie Cairns Culshaw, a PM‑time journalist for GIVEMESPORT, writes from the GMT+1 zone and covers the Premier League. He joined the outlet in May 2024, is an avid Arsenal fan, and previously worked for SportBible, focusing on Liverpool and Manchester United. Culshaw also creates YouTube content, runs a Football Blog, contributes to the Sport Bible, and regularly posts on GiveMeSport, where he engages Us, logs Here, and gives Pro analysis of Striker prospects, who are Just emerging talents.