Tottenham Hotspur are facing a critical 38-hour window to secure what could be a season-defining transfer, with reports indicating they are attempting to hijack Nottingham Forest's pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for a fee of £40 million.
Crystal Palace Open to Mateta Sale Amid Mid-Season Struggles
Crystal Palace have reportedly set a £40 million price tag for Jean-Philippe Mateta and are willing to sanction his departure before the transfer deadline. The French international is eager to leave Selhurst Park, following teammate Marc Guehi out the door as the Eagles endure a mid-season slump in form. Manager Oliver Glasner has also confirmed his intention to seek new opportunities at the end of the campaign, adding to the club's instability.
According to sources, Palace will not obstruct Mateta's exit if a club meets their valuation, although they will need to secure a replacement. This comes after Nottingham Forest saw a £35 million bid rejected earlier this week, highlighting the competitive nature of the transfer market.
Spurs Plot Transfer Hijack to Bolster Attack
Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are making a move for Mateta, sparking excitement among supporters. This potential hijack mirrors Arsenal's last-minute swoop for Eberechi Eze in the summer, a move that left Spurs reeling. Under manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham have struggled in the Premier League this season, with a lack of a talismanic striker contributing to their inconsistent performances.
Mateta, aged 28, offers proven goal-scoring ability in the English top flight, having netted eight league goals this term, 14 last season, and 16 the year before. His physicality and drive could provide the character and attacking edge that Frank's side has often lacked, making him an ideal target to revitalise their campaign.
Urgent Timeline Due to Forest Competition and City Clash
Tottenham must act swiftly to complete this transfer hijack, with two key factors driving the urgency. Firstly, Nottingham Forest are currently frontrunners and could meet the £40 million asking price imminently. With Mateta desperate to depart, contract negotiations are unlikely to be protracted, increasing the risk for Spurs if they delay.
Secondly, Tottenham's upcoming fixture against Manchester City on Sunday is a crucial match for Frank. A home defeat could lead to further fan discontent and potentially cost him his job, while a loss might see Spurs drop to level on points with 17th place in the division. Having Mateta available for this game could significantly boost their chances of a positive result, as he is familiar with Premier League demands and could slot directly into the starting lineup.
Under Premier League regulations, Mateta must be registered by midday on Friday to be eligible for the Manchester City match, giving Tottenham exactly 38 hours to finalise the deal. The clock is ticking, and failure to act could see them miss out on a transformative signing.
