MusaTottenham Hotspur are exploring potential striker additions ahead of the January transfer window as they look to provide greater competition and cover for Dominic Solanke.
Solanke endured a difficult campaign last season, with both fitness and form proving to be major concerns. The England international managed only three goals in 15 Premier League appearances, with an ankle injury restricting his involvement. He has also yet to open his Premier League account this season.
Omar Marmoush, who joined Spurs from Manchester City on a season-long loan that includes a mandatory purchase clause, has so far failed to provide the attacking support alongside Solanke that manager Roberto De Zerbi would have hoped for. Meanwhile, Richarlison has been excluded from Tottenham’s Premier League squad, making a departure during the winter window increasingly possible.
With that in mind, bringing in a natural centre-forward could become one of Tottenham’s main priorities in 2027.
Tottenham handed boost in Jean-Philippe Mateta pursuit
Spurs were linked with several strikers during the summer transfer window but ultimately failed to complete a deal for a new forward. One player who could become available is Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Tottenham have previously shown an interest in Mateta and have reportedly done work on the Frenchman. The 29-year-old has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park for some time, and his current contract situation has now increased speculation surrounding his future.
According to Football Insider, Mateta is expected to leave Crystal Palace in 2027 rather than agree to a new contract. That leaves Palace with a major decision to make: sell him during the January transfer window and collect a fee, or keep him until the end of the season and risk losing him as a free agent.
Several Premier League and European clubs are reportedly monitoring the striker’s situation, meaning Palace could receive offers when the January window opens. Mateta has also been dealing with an injury during the opening stages of the campaign, restricting his involvement under new manager Pierre Sage.
Despite that setback, he remains an important player for the Eagles.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke said:
“His future is pretty much certain at Palace right now; he’s in the final year of his contract, and we do expect him to leave Palace.
“The question is about whether that’s in January or next summer when his contract expires; that’s the decision Crystal Palace have to make. He obviously came very close to leaving last January when that move to Milan was agreed, but it eventually fell through after a medical.
“There are a number of clubs looking at Mateta, so a lot will depend on what Palace want to do and whether they see January as their last chance to cash in on him.
“But Palace are resigned to losing him at some point in the near future; it’s just about whether it happens in January or let him leave when his contract expires in the summer.”
Mateta could be an ideal addition for Tottenham
Mateta already has extensive Premier League experience and has established himself as a proven goalscorer at Selhurst Park.
The Frenchman has scored 42 Premier League goals over the last three seasons, making him an appealing option for Tottenham as they search for a dependable striker who can immediately compete for a starting place.
Spurs are in need of exactly that type of player. Solanke’s recurring fitness issues have underlined the importance of having another reliable goalscoring option, while Richarlison’s uncertain future could leave De Zerbi short of established forwards.
If Palace decide to sell Mateta for a reduced fee in January rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer, Tottenham could view the 29-year-old as an excellent opportunity.
However, Spurs are unlikely to have a free run at the striker. With several clubs reportedly monitoring his situation, Tottenham may face significant competition if they decide to turn their interest into a formal January bid.
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