Nottingham Forest submit £35 million bid for “amazing” 56-goal forward

France's Maghnes Akliouche and Jean-Philippe Mateta. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

Nottingham Forest took a significant step towards stabilising their Premier League campaign at the weekend with a vital 2–0 victory over Brentford.

Goals from Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi lifted Sean Dyche’s side a little further clear of the relegation scrap, though they remain precariously placed in 17th.

Despite seeing two of his forwards on the scoresheet, Dyche is clearly not convinced his attacking options are strong enough for the battle ahead.

With January running out and survival still far from secure, Forest have now made a bold move in the transfer market to bolster their firepower.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly lodged a £35 million bid to sign Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to The Athletic.

The 28-year-old is understood to be open to the move, with personal terms unlikely to pose any problems.

However, Palace are holding out for a larger package, with sources suggesting they value the France international at closer to £40 million and would only sanction a sale if a replacement can be secured.

Forest’s pursuit of a new striker has intensified this month.

Last season’s leading scorer Chris Wood has been limited to just eight league appearances after knee surgery, while summer signing Arnaud Kalimuendo has already departed on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt. Although Forest recently completed a loan deal for Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca — which includes a sizeable option to buy — Dyche is keen to add further experience and reliability up front.

Mateta would fit that brief.

Once described as “amazing” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner, the striker has scored 56 goals for the Eagles, with the bulk of those coming over the last two and a half seasons. His form has earned him a place in the France national setup and made him one of Palace’s most valuable assets.

For Forest, landing Mateta would be a major statement of intent as they look to secure another season in the Premier League. Palace, meanwhile, face a delicate balancing act after already losing Marc Guehi this month and with Glasner set to depart.

With the two clubs meeting this weekend, the next few days could prove decisive — both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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