Nottingham Forest have launched a bold late-window offensive to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, submitting a formal offer worth £35m for the Crystal Palace striker. According to a report from David Ornstein, negotiations are advancing quickly, with personal terms between the player and the Midlands club described as "no issue."
The Standoff: Price and Replacement
While the player’s desire to move to the City Ground appears settled, the deal hinges on Palace’s strict conditions. The Eagles hierarchy, led by Steve Parish, have reportedly set a price tag of approximately £40m to sanction the sale of their top scorer. Crucially, Palace have communicated that they will only release the 28-year-old if a replacement is secured first.
This has triggered a potential transfer domino effect. Palace have identified Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen as their primary target to fill the void. However, with Wolves also demanding a fee in the region of £40m for the Norwegian, Palace effectively need Forest to match that figure to fund the replacement directly. It is a high-stakes game of poker with the deadline looming, where one collapse could freeze all three clubs.
Nuno’s Search for a Focal Point
For Sean Dyche, the pursuit of Mateta signals a clear intent to capitalise on Forest’s strong season. Reliance on alternatives has carried them far, but Mateta offers a younger, more dynamic physical presence capable of leading the line in Nuno’s transition-heavy system. His aerial dominance and hold-up play are viewed as an upgrade that could sustain Forest’s push for European football.
The fact that Mateta has readily agreed personal terms suggests he sees the project at the City Ground—and the stability under Nuno—as a more attractive proposition than the current uncertainty at Selhurst Park, where the squad appears to be in a state of flux.
Market Reaction
The betting markets have reacted instantly to Ornstein’s update. The Jean-Philippe Mateta next club odds have seen Forest crash in from outsiders to clear favourites. Meanwhile, the liquidity of this deal is likely to impact the odds on Strand Larsen moving to London, creating a linked market that bettors are watching closely.
The gap between Forest’s £35m bid and Palace’s £40m demand is bridgeable, but the complexity of the Strand Larsen leg of the deal makes this a race against time.