Tottenham Hotspur may have secured an advantage in the race to sign 28-year-old French international Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace this year.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Jean-Philippe Mateta is the subject of interest of Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker this year. So, the 28-year-old Crystal Palace centre-forward has emerged as a target for the North London outfit.
The latest report has boosted Tottenham’s prospects, as Aston Villa may not pursue Mateta in the winter transfer window. The Villans have struck an agreement to sign Tammy Abraham, and they may not pursue another striker this month. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will demand around £35-40 million to part ways with the Frenchman.
How has Jean-Philippe Mateta fared at Crystal Palace?
Jean-Philippe Mateta has established himself as one of the most consistent strikers in the Premier League since joining Crystal Palace from FSV Mainz 05. While the 28-year-old was slow off the blocks at the South London club, Oliver Glasner has transformed him into a top-class centre-forward in the last few years.
The French international has made nearly 200 appearances for Crystal Palace thus far, chipping in with 56 goals and 13 assists. Meanwhile, Mateta’s progress in recent seasons has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Recent reports have linked the Crystal Palace mainstay with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, while Juventus recently failed with a bid to sign him.
What next for Mateta?
Aston Villa’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta has been understandable. The Villans have been scouring the market for a striker heading into the winter transfer window, as Unai Emery wants more productivity from his attackers. However, the Premier League high-flyers have pivoted in the last few days, with Tammy Abraham on the cusp of sealing a January move.
As for Tottenham Hotspur, Dominic Solanke has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the North London club. Additionally, it is unclear if Randal Kolo Muani will remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond the 2025/26 season. So, Mateta is a viable target, and Aston Villa’s move for Tammy Abraham has handed Spurs an advantage in the battle for the French striker’s signature.
Meanwhile, Mateta has not been a happy camper due to Crystal Palace’s decision to block a January exit. It will be interesting to see if the 28-year-old Frenchman remains at Selhurst Park for the second half of the 2025/26 season after Aston Villa’s move for Abraham.
