Sources: Tottenham ready Jean-Philippe Mateta move as Crystal Palace move nears
Tottenham are monitoring Jean-Philippe Mateta’s unresolved contract situation at Crystal Palace as talks remain deadlocked.
Sources told Football Insider that Tottenham are planning to bring in a new striker in January, and they may have just found their man.
Crystal Palace may be forced to sell Mateta after no progress has been made in the latest round of contract negotiations.
His current deal expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, possibly offering an opening for the Lilywhites to take advantage of the Eagles’ perilous position.
Mateta would be ‘good fit’ under Thomas Frank as he plans when best to strike for ‘proven striker’
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Spurs are keen to exploit the problematic situation down at Selhurst Park between the Frenchman and the club.
Sources told Football Insider that Mateta is a January priority for Tottenham as they look to resolve their goalscoring struggles.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I’m sure Tottenham will be keeping tabs on the situation with Mateta.
“They made a cheeky offer for him right at the end of the last summer transfer window, which Palace batted away.
“He’s under contract until 2027 but if he’s not going to sign a new deal by next summer, you would imagine Palace would be more increasingly open to selling Mateta to get a fee for him, rather than potentially letting him run down his contract.
“So, that could open the door for Spurs to make a move for the Frenchman.
“He’s a proven striker in the Premier League now over the last couple of seasons so be a really good fit for Spurs. There’s also reported interest from Italy, from AC Milan as well, in Mateta.”
Guglielmo Vicario teetering on exit from Tottenham
Whilst the Lilywhites remain focused at bringing in more firepower at the top of the pitch, there are concerns at the other end.
Sources told Football Insider that Guglielmo Vicario could be open to a return to Italy with Inter Milan.
The Italian has recently made an array of mistakes which have infuriated Spurs supporters, suggesting he may not be the long-term solution in goal in north London.
The 29-year-old left his home country back in July 2023 and, if his performances don’t improve quickly, may be staring down the barrel at an exit next summer.