Tottenham Hotspur are actively monitoring the situation of Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the North London club weighing up a late intervention to hijack Nottingham Forest’s move for the striker. Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that Spurs are exploring attacking reinforcements amid growing uncertainty surrounding Randal Kolo Muani’s future at the club.
The Kolo Muani Dilemma
Kolo Muani, who arrived on a season-long loan from PSG in September 2025, has endured a torrid spell in North London. The French international has struggled for impact, and with reports of "disinterest" surfacing, discussions have begun regarding the termination of his loan. Juventus have shown interest in offering him an escape route, but Spurs have made it clear they will only sanction his exit if a replacement is secured first.
This has brought Mateta firmly into focus. Spurs have held a long-standing interest in the Crystal Palace forward, having made an enquiry late in the summer window before pivoting to Kolo Muani. Now, with the loan experiment faltering, Thomas Frank requires a physical presence capable of executing his high-pressing game—attributes Mateta possesses in abundance.
Forest Lead, but London Factor Looms
Nottingham Forest are currently in the driving seat. The Midlands club have submitted a £35m bid, opened formal negotiations with Palace, and agreed personal terms with the player that include a significant pay rise. However, Palace are holding out for their full £40m valuation and refuse to sign off on the deal until a replacement—such as Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen—is lined up.
This delay has left the door ajar for Spurs. Sources suggest Mateta’s preference is to remain in London, and the prospect of European football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could prove decisive if Spurs decides to match Forest's financial commitment. While Aston Villa have moved on to target Tammy Abraham, Spurs remain the most dangerous lurker in this poker game.
The Zirkzee Option
In a parallel development, both Spurs and Palace have made enquiries for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman, signed for £36.5m in 2024, has been restricted to just 14 appearances this season and is desperate for minutes ahead of the World Cup.
A loan with an option to buy has been mooted, but United are wary of strengthening a direct rival without favourable terms, such as a mandatory purchase clause. For Frank, Zirkzee offers a more technical, fluid option compared to Mateta's physicality, but the Palace man remains the "proven" Premier League solution.
Market Odds
The Jean-Philippe Mateta next club odds currently position Nottingham Forest as the 8/11 favourites, reflecting the advanced nature of their talks. However, Spurs are listed as 6/1 outsiders—a price that could shorten rapidly if the Kolo Muani exit accelerates in the final days of the window.