Tottenham-linked Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is wanted by AC Milan in January
Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking struggles continue to pose a major concern for Thomas Frank. Both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison have failed to make a consistent impact at White Hart Lane, while on-loan striker Randal Kolo Muani continues his hunt for first goal in Tottenham colours.
Thomas Frank’s patience is seemingly running thin with the current options up top. The lack of a reliable No.9 has been well-documented over the last couple of months, and the 4-1 derby defeat to Arsenal on Sunday should prompt the club bosses to address this area of the pitch in January.
Recent reports suggest the Lilywhites are exploring a deal for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Spurs view the Frenchman as an instant upgrade on Richarlison and believe he is the right fit in Thomas Frank’s system to lead the team’s attack.
AC Milan eyeing move for Spurs target Jean-Philippe Mateta
With 54 goals across the last two-and-a-half seasons for Crystal Palace, it is no surprise to see the interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta ramping up ahead of January. The Eagles want to tie their star striker to a new deal and have now opened talks with him.
However, it has been reported that the defending FA Cup champions will need to ‘significantly increase’ their current offer if they are to persuade Mateta to stay at Selhurst Park, with the centre-forward, whose present terms expire in the summer of 2027, dreaming of a move to a big European club.
There is no shortage of European interest in the France international. According to a report from TEAMtalk, AC Milan are plotting a spectacular move for Mateta in 2026. The player is keen to make the move to AC Milan, who view the Crystal Palace marksman as the “classic” No. 9 to spearhead Massimiliano Allegri’s attack.
The Rossoneri were interested in signing the 28-year-old in the summer, but Palace’s £50 million valuation led to them cooling their interest. They are again back in the frame, sensing an opportunity to sign the ex-Lyon man at a bargain fee in January. Mateta, who has started the 2025/26 season well with six Premier League goals in 12 appearances, has been attracted to playing in Serie A despite several big English top-flight clubs vying for his signature.
The aforementioned report adds Palace won’t block a dream move for Mateta, but could haggle to get a good fee. It is said a mid-season departure from south London could transpire if the bids go beyond £35-40 million.
“He’s open to leaving,” a TEAMtalk source has confirmed
“The 28-year-old has ambitions to represent a Serie A club before the end of his career.”
Blow for Tottenham
AC Milan entering the race for Mateta should come as a blow for Spurs. Tottenham have shown an interest in the Palace striker but he wants to test himself in Serie A as the next destination of his career. Keeping that in mind, Thomas Frank’s club must shift their attention elsewhere to address their goalscoring conundrum.
FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa is also on Tottenham’s radar. The Spaniard has been performing very well for FC Porto since last season and could thrive in Frank’s system in N17. As per latest reports, Spurs are planning to launch a move for Aghehowa imminently. It will be interesting to see whether our club manages to land the 21-year-old in January as he has €100 million release clause in his contract at Porto.