adminAston Villa and Crystal Palace want PSG striker that once bench Ronaldo
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are both exploring ambitious attacking additions as the January transfer window approaches its final stages, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Gonçalo Ramos emerging as a shared target for the two Premier League clubs.
According to respected Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles, the Portuguese forward is firmly on the radar of both sides as they look to strengthen their forward lines before the deadline.
For Crystal Palace, the interest is driven largely by uncertainty surrounding the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker has been a key figure at Selhurst Park over the past couple of seasons, but recent developments suggest his time in south London could be coming to an end.
Juventus and several other European clubs are monitoring his situation closely, and with Palace aware of the growing interest, manager Oliver Glasner is already planning for life beyond Mateta.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s pursuit of Ramos stems from a different set of motivations. Unai Emery has overseen a remarkable transformation at Villa Park, guiding the club into European contention and establishing them as one of the Premier League’s most tactically sophisticated sides.
However, despite their progress, Emery is keen to add more depth and quality to his attacking options, particularly with the club juggling domestic and continental commitments. A striker of Ramos’ profile fits the bill as Villa look to sustain their upward trajectory.
At 24 years old, Gonçalo Ramos remains one of Europe’s most intriguing forwards. His reputation was cemented on the global stage during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he famously replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal’s starting line-up for the round-of-16 clash against Switzerland.
Ramos seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion, scoring a hat-trick and delivering one of the tournament’s standout performances. That display announced him as a striker capable of handling pressure at the very highest level.
Since then, Ramos has continued to develop, though his time at Paris Saint-Germain has not always been straightforward. This season, he has scored ten goals and provided one assist across 28 appearances in all competitions.
While those numbers are respectable, they only tell part of the story. Ramos has struggled to cement a guaranteed starting role in a PSG side packed with attacking talent, often finding himself rotated in and out of the line-up.
In Ligue 1, the Portuguese international has started just eight matches this campaign, a surprisingly low figure for a player of his calibre.
His involvement in the Champions League has been even more limited, with all six of his appearances in Europe’s elite competition coming from the substitutes’ bench. For a striker entering what should be the prime years of his career, a lack of consistent minutes could become a growing frustration.
That context is crucial when assessing why a move to the Premier League might appeal to Ramos. Both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are prepared to offer him something he cannot currently guarantee at PSG: regular starting opportunities and a central role in the team’s long-term plans.
Unlike at the Parc des Princes, where competition for places is relentless, either English club would likely build their attack around him.
From Palace’s perspective, Ramos could represent a significant upgrade on Mateta. While the Frenchman has contributed important goals, his future remains uncertain, and Glasner is keen to ensure that any potential departure does not leave the squad short of quality.
Ramos’ technical ability, movement, and finishing instincts would align well with Glasner’s tactical ideas, offering Palace a more dynamic focal point in attack.
However, securing Ramos will be far from straightforward. Paris Saint-Germain are not actively looking to sell the striker and would only consider parting with him if an exceptionally high offer were placed on the table. PSG invested heavily to bring Ramos to the club, and despite his limited starts, they still view him as an important asset within their squad.
This presents a significant financial challenge for both Palace and Villa. While Villa’s recent success and European ambitions have strengthened their pulling power, PSG’s valuation of Ramos could push the deal beyond what either club is comfortable paying.
As a result, both sides may need to weigh up whether to pursue the Portuguese forward aggressively or explore alternative targets before the window closes.
Aston Villa, in particular, have been proactive in lining up contingency plans. Jean-Philippe Mateta is one such alternative, with Villa monitoring his situation closely in case Palace decide to cash in.
The Midlands club are also keeping tabs on Tammy Abraham, another familiar name to Premier League fans. Villa have reportedly agreed personal terms with Abraham over a potential return to Villa Park, where he previously enjoyed a successful loan spell earlier in his career.
Despite progress on the player side, negotiations with Besiktas—who currently hold Abraham’s registration—have proven difficult.
The Turkish club are reluctant to lower their demands, creating another obstacle for Villa as they try to strengthen their attack before the deadline.
This uncertainty only increases the appeal of a proven international forward like Ramos, even if the financial outlay would be substantial.
Crystal Palace face similar dilemmas. If Mateta departs, the club must act swiftly to bring in a replacement capable of leading the line immediately while also fitting into the club’s long-term vision.
Ramos’ age, experience at the highest level, and proven scoring record make him an attractive option, but Palace must decide whether they are willing to meet PSG’s valuation or risk missing out.
From Ramos’ point of view, the situation is finely balanced. Remaining at PSG offers the chance to compete for major trophies and train alongside some of the world’s best players.
However, footballers at his stage of development often prioritise consistent playing time over prestige, especially when international selection is at stake.
Regular starts in the Premier League could enhance his profile further and help him establish himself as Portugal’s first-choice striker for years to come.
The Premier League’s global reach and competitive intensity may also appeal to Ramos. Both Palace and Villa can offer him a platform to showcase his talents week in, week out, rather than sporadic appearances off the bench.
For a striker whose confidence and rhythm thrive on continuity, that opportunity could be decisive.
As the winter transfer window edges closer to its conclusion, the race for Gonçalo Ramos is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing subplots.
Whether PSG ultimately soften their stance or hold firm remains to be seen, but Palace and Villa are clearly alert to the possibility of a deal if circumstances align.
If neither club can convince PSG to sell, they may be forced to turn their attention elsewhere. However, should a breakthrough occur, Ramos’ arrival in England would represent a significant statement of intent—one that could reshape the attacking fortunes of either side for seasons to come.
For now, all parties are weighing their options carefully. Palace are preparing for potential upheaval in their forward line, Villa are seeking the final pieces to strengthen an already impressive project, and Ramos himself is considering the next step in his career.
With time running out in the January window, the coming days could prove decisive in determining where the Portuguese striker’s future lies.
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