Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, and his departure is likely to have sparked an exodus. Following the departure of Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta are also expected to leave.
While it appears Wharton will stay until the summer, Mateta is open to parting ways with the Eagles in the current transfer window itself and has definitively ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia, with a stay in Europe his priority.
It is believed that Aston Villa has already agreed personal terms with him, but Football Transfers reported this that Chelsea have entered the race to sign the attacker and have already agreed a contract with his entourage to secure a transfer soon.
Chelsea may be favorites for Mateta
If Chelsea are indeed interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, they will likely lead the race over Aston Villa, especially as they could offer the player and his club more money than the Clarets.
The 28-year-old Mateta could also get a decent contract from the Blues in terms of duration, as he is in the best years of his career and was in good form in the 2025/26 season with ten goals and two assists to his name.
Liam Delap’s inability to impress in front of goal following his move from Ipswich Town last summer could force the Londoners to seriously consider Mateta’s contract, especially with there still a place to play for in next season’s Champions League.
The winner of the FA Cup is valued at £35 million on Transfermarkt but with his contract at Crystal Palace set to expire in 2027, the club may be willing to let him go for a reduced price soon to reduce the risk of losing him for free.
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