Spurs’ pursuit of a new frontman could get a boost from an unlikely source — trouble brewing at Crystal Palace over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract.
Tottenham have long admired the French striker and previously made contact over his situation at Selhurst Park. With De Zerbi keen to add more punch up front, Mateta could become a realistic target if his standing at Palace continues to wobble.
The 29-year-old started Palace’s season opener against Everton but had a quiet game as his side went down to defeat. Still, his overall numbers speak for themselves — 12 goals in 32 Premier League appearances last season, plus strong aerial numbers and a knack for attacking crosses, giving him a profile unlike most other names on Spurs’ striker shortlist.
Why Tottenham need reinforcements up top
The need for firepower has been obvious for a while. Spurs are already tracking Omar Marmoush and Savinho, but their opening-day defeat to Brentford exposed just how blunt the attack can look. One more proven goalscorer wouldn’t fix everything, but it would give De Zerbi another option when games get stuck.
The FIFA twist
Shortly after Palace’s loss to Everton, reports surfaced that Mateta has taken his contract dispute to FIFA, arguing the final 10 months of his current deal aren’t valid. It’s a situation that’s reportedly been simmering for a while, but going public changes things — it puts Palace in an awkward spot and raises real questions about his long-term future at the club. If the relationship has soured, Palace may decide a sale is the cleanest way forward — and Spurs, given their history of interest, would be ready to pounce.
Why Marmoush alone might not be enough
Marmoush’s versatility — comfortable through the middle or wide — is a big asset, but it also means he doesn’t necessarily solve Tottenham’s need for an out-and-out No. 9. With Richarlison’s future also uncertain, Spurs could need more than one attacking addition to get through the season.
Mateta offers a different profile entirely: a physical focal point who can hold up play, occupy defenders, and win aerial duels — a genuine alternative route to goal alongside more mobile forwards like Marmoush and Savinho, rather than a straight competitor for the same role.
The bottom line
Mateta wouldn’t fix everything — De Zerbi still has plenty to work through after the Brentford defeat. But with his Palace contract dispute now public and Tottenham actively hunting for attacking depth, the pieces could be falling into place for the two situations to collide before the window shuts.
