Tottenham are looking at striker options ahead of the January window, with the aim of giving Dominic Solanke more competition and cover. The England international had a tough time last season, scoring just three goals in 15 Premier League games as an ankle injury limited his involvement, and he is still waiting for his first league goal of the current campaign.
Omar Marmoush arrived from Manchester City on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, but he has yet to give Roberto De Zerbi the support alongside Solanke that the manager wanted. Richarlison, meanwhile, has been left out of the Premier League squad, which makes a winter exit increasingly likely. A natural centre-forward could therefore become a top priority for Spurs in 2027.
One name that may come onto the market is Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. Tottenham were linked with several strikers in the summer but signed none, and they have reportedly done their homework on the Frenchman before. The 29-year-old has long been tipped to leave Selhurst Park, and his contract situation has fuelled the talk even more.
Football Insider claims Mateta is set to leave Palace in 2027 rather than sign an extension. That leaves the Eagles with a choice between cashing in during January or keeping him until the end of the season and risking losing him for nothing. Several Premier League and European clubs are said to be watching the situation, so offers could arrive once the window opens. He has also been struggling with an injury early in the season under new boss Pierre Sage, though he remains an important figure for the club.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke said Mateta’s departure is widely expected as he enters the final year of his deal, and the only real question is whether it happens in January or next summer. He pointed out that Mateta came close to leaving last January, when a move to Milan was agreed before collapsing after a medical. O’Rourke added that plenty of clubs are interested, that much depends on whether Palace see January as their last chance to earn a fee, and that the club appear resigned to losing him in the near future.
Mateta would bring plenty of Premier League experience and a strong scoring record, with 42 league goals across the last three seasons. That makes him an appealing option for a Spurs side that needs a reliable goalscorer who can challenge for a starting place straight away. Solanke’s recurring fitness problems and Richarlison’s uncertain future could leave De Zerbi short of proven forwards.
If Palace decide to sell at a reduced price in January rather than lose him on a free, Tottenham could see it as a great opportunity. However, they are unlikely to have the race to themselves, and with several clubs reportedly monitoring him, they may face stiff competition if they decide to make a formal bid.
