Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing a January move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The news comes as manager Roberto De Zerbi seeks to address a goal shortage that has seen the club start the Premier League season with zero points from two games.
Spurs currently sit 20th in the table, having lost both matches and conceded five goals without scoring. This poor start leaves them six points behind early leaders Manchester City. The need for attacking reinforcement is heightened by a significant injury list, with forwards Richarlison and Wilson Odobert, plus creative midfielders Xavi Simons and James Maddison, all currently sidelined. Fans can track the latest team news on our injuries page.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is a 29-year-old French striker who has been a consistent performer for Crystal Palace. Standing at an imposing 1.92 metres tall, he offers a significant physical presence in the penalty area. Last season, Mateta contributed 16 goals and provided three assists across 50 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles. His current contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire at the end of the following season, which could influence Palace's willingness to negotiate a sale in the upcoming window.
Roberto De Zerbi's system often requires a focal point in attack, and Mateta's profile fits that need. His goal return last term demonstrates a proven ability to score in the Premier League, something Spurs desperately lack in their current form. With the team yet to find the net this campaign, adding a player with Mateta's finishing instincts could be a priority. Aston Villa are also showing interest, indicating competition for his signature could develop.
A potential move for Mateta would be a short-to-medium term solution rather than a long-term project, given his age. It would provide immediate competition and cover, especially while several key attacking players recover from injury. Integrating a new striker would be a key task for De Zerbi as he looks to turn around a difficult start. The team's next opportunity to get points on the board is an away trip to Nottingham Forest, who are 15th, on September 5th. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
The January transfer window allows clubs to make mid-season adjustments, and Spurs' current league position may accelerate their plans. Mateta's contract situation adds another layer to the potential deal. With his deal running until 2027, Crystal Palace are not under immediate pressure to sell, but they may consider offers to avoid losing him for free later. Tottenham's activity will likely depend on their form in the coming months and the recovery timelines of their injured players. Supporters can monitor the evolving Premier League picture on our standings page. The final detail is that Mateta was part of the Crystal Palace squad that reached the UEFA Conference League Final in 2026, adding a recent high-pressure experience to his resume.
