Tottenham dealt a setback in their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Tottenham Hotspur have found goals difficult to come by via strikers this season. Richarlison has scored seven goals in all competitions, including three in last five games. His performances have been hot and cold under Thomas Frank, and has also not got much support from his fellow strikers.
Loanee Randal Kolo Muani has two goals that came against his parent club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last week. The Frenchman is still searching for his first Premier League goal, while Dominic Solanke has not played for the north Londoners for several months now due to ankle issues.
This has naturally resulted in Spurs wanting to add to their striker department when the transfer window reopens in January. Recent reports suggest Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has coursed to the top of Tottenham’s striker shortlist. Amid uncertainty surrounding his future, Spurs are planning to test Crystal Palace’s resolve with a potential bid in January.
Tottenham suffer Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer blow
Jean-Philippe Mateta has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer for Crystal Palace in the last couple of seasons. The Frenchman has netted 55 goals in 176 appearances for the Eagles, including nine in all competitions this season.
The 28-year-old’s goalscoring record across the capital, coupled with the player not yet committing his future at Selhurst Park yet, has caught the attention of Tottenham. With his contract expiring in 2027, Mateta still unsure over signing a new deal has seen his future being called into question in recent months amid interest from big European clubs.
However, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Mateta will not be allowed to leave the Eagles midway through the campaign. They will charge a premium to sell him, but moreover, the centre-forward is receiving significant interest from clubs abroad, which could be more attractive to him than a move within the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner, after winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield, harbours dreams of finishing in the Premier League’s top four and going deep in the UEFA Europa Conference this term. With a very taxing schedule of games in December, Glasner does not want to weaken his squad by selling Mateta.
What this means for Spurs?
Negotiations over a new deal has gone into an impasse, but Palace are aware that Mateta’s stock could tumble if they do not act decisively. However, the Eagles potentially blocking the exit of Mateta next month leaves Tottenham in a spot of bother.
Spurs had hoped to add the three-cap France international as an extra striker option to cover several games, but January now looks unrealistic. Even if the Lilywhites maintain interest, a potential deal will likely wait until summer 2026, when Palace might be open to negotiations if he does not sign a new contract, and Spurs can plan strategically and structurally for the squad rebuild.
At 28, Mateta finds himself at the top of his game and could provide a much-needed focal point to Tottenham’s attack. For now, Frank’s club must continue monitoring the striker’s situation at Selhurst Park.
