“Don’t be surprised…”: Tottenham tipped to sign £40 million Crystal Palace star who is a “nightmare for defenders”

Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Reuters/Matthew Childs)

Tottenham’s start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has been encouraging, if not flawless.

Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have rediscovered their attacking rhythm — goals have been flowing freely — yet consistency in the final third remains an issue.

While Mohammed Kudus has impressed, misfiring form from Richarlison and the ongoing injury absence of Dominic Solanke have left Spurs somewhat short of reliable firepower up front.

Now, it appears the North London side could look to one of the Premier League’s most in-form strikers to solve that problem.

According to a new report from CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs showing serious interest in Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, and could be handed the opportunity to sign him as early as January.

The Frenchman has been in outstanding form for Palace once again this season, netting five goals in eight Premier League matches, including a stunning hat-trick against Bournemouth. That came on the back of a brilliant 14-goal league campaign last year, following his breakout 16-goal season in 2023/24.

Speaking after that hat-trick, Premier League legend Alan Shearer hailed Mateta as “a nightmare for defenders” — praising his movement, hold-up play, and instinct in front of goal.

CaughtOffside reports that Palace had previously hoped to tie Mateta — who is under contract until 2027 — to a new deal, but talks have stalled amid growing interest from top Premier League sides.

Sources close to the situation suggest the France international is now open to a fresh challenge, with a £40 million price tag potentially enough to tempt Palace into selling.

“Mateta is one to watch for sure. A new contract doesn’t look likely, so they may well feel it’s a good time to cash in. Don’t be surprised if £40 million gets a deal done,” one insider told CaughtOffside.

For Spurs, the French striker could represent the perfect mid-season addition — a proven Premier League goalscorer with the physicality and finishing instinct to thrive in Frank’s high-energy system.

If Tottenham can pull off the deal, Mateta might just be the missing piece in their push to stay among the top four.

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.