As the January transfer window heads for its conclusion, Tottenham are looking to make a surprise move for one of the Premier League’s top marksmen.
It would be fair to say that this transfer window has been a bit of a let-down for Spurs fans. Indeed, with only two confirmed deals so far this month, the Lilywhites don’t really look any stronger than they did a month ago.
It would also be fair to say that Thomas Frank needs reinforcements in pretty much every area of his squad. A new winger and another midfielder are thought to be the priorities, but we could actually see a new striker join soon.
Multiple names have been linked already, but a very familiar one has just emerged as a possible new arrival for Spurs if they can beat Nottingham Forest to his signature.
Tottenham looking at Jean-Philippe Mateta
According to Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla, Spurs have now joined the race to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, with Forest also keen on the Frenchman.
It all comes amid talk of Randal Kolo Muani going to Juventus, which would leave Tottenham needing more firepower.
Pedulla now says Spurs would look at “offensive specialists” like Mateta, and even goes as far as to say that the North London club are “making a move” for the Palace man.
He tweeted: ‘Not only Nottingham Forest, but also Tottenham is making a move for Mateta.’
Mateta has made no secret of his desire to leave the Eagles and it now looks like he could be heading out the door before the window slams shut on Monday.
This is not the first time we have heard about Tottenham’s interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta either. Spurs failed with a move for him in the summer, but have been tipped to return in January. Palace are said to want £35m to sell Mateta this month.
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Mateta could actually be perfect for Spurs
While he’s had his off days in recent months, there’s no denying Mateta is an effective striker who can find the back of the net, offers great physicality and hold-up play, and works hard for the team.
Obviously, those traits all apply to Dominic Solanke, too. But, can we really rely on him to stay fit from now until the end of the season? The answer, sadly, is no.
Getting Mateta now, amid a bit of a crisis period for Palace, would likely mean a lower fee and it’s pretty clear the player would jump at the chance, too.
He’s got eight league goals already this season, to add to the 14 he got last term. There is no Spurs player anywhere near that kind of level right now, so it would make a lot of sense to make this deal happen.