Jean-Philippe Mateta is open for a new challenge as Tottenham Hotspur circle
Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking struggles continue to pose a major concern for Thomas Frank as the Lilywhites look to make their mark this season. Both Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have failed to make a consistent impact at N17, and it now appears increasingly likely that the North London club will pursue a new striker in the upcoming transfer window. The recent £100 million cash injection from the Lewis family could play a crucial role in facilitating a major attacking signing in January.
Spurs are aiming to compete hard on all fronts this season. And to achieve that, they will need to have enough depth up front to find the back of the net consistently when the going gets tough. It is fair to say that the Lilywhites cannot rely on Richarlison to provide that attacking threat on a regular basis, as the Brazilian has not done enough to maintain his place in the starting eleven under Frank.
Also, Dominic Solanke has still not shown his true potential under Thomas Frank after suffering an ankle injury in the summer. The England international has barely featured for Tottenham this season, and it looks likely that he may find it tough to find his way back into contention once the North London club finds a replacement in the coming months.
Tottenham eyeing a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
It comes as no surprise that Spurs are actively searching for attacking reinforcements. The club has been strongly linked with a move for Ivan Toney on a short-term loan, with Frank reportedly open to reuniting with the England international. However, Tottenham are also monitoring alternative targets should that deal fail to materialise.
According to The Daily Briefing (via Caught Offside), one such alternative is Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace. Frank is said to be a strong admirer of the French forward and has reportedly assured him of a key role in the squad for the second half of the campaign. Mateta himself is believed to be open to a new challenge, having rejected Palace’s attempts to extend his contract at Selhurst Park.
However, securing his signature won’t be straightforward. The same report claims that Manchester United and Newcastle United are also monitoring Mateta, with both clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options in January. The 28-year-old’s form has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in the league.
Signing Mateta should be a no-brainer for the Lilywhites in January. The prolific forward is reportedly available for around £40m, a reasonable fee given his current form and Premier League experience. His ability to hold up play, link effectively with wide players, and consistently find dangerous positions in the box makes him a well-rounded option for any top side.
He scored a hat-trick in Palace’s most recent fixture against Bournemouth in the Premier League, taking his tally to seven goals in 13 games this season. The prolific striker has taken some huge strides under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park in recent months, earning his first call-up for the France National Team in the recently concluded international break. So, signing a player of his calibre is exactly what the Lilywhites need to rejuvenate their attack.
Will Tottenham make a move for the Crystal Palace star? Or will the Lilywhites opt to go for a different player instead in the coming months? Only time will tell.
