Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur are linked with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential replacement for Randal Kolo Muani amid the club’s challenging Premier League season.
- Juventus are pushing to sign Kolo Muani on loan from parent club Paris Saint-Germain, where he is currently on loan at Tottenham, but Spurs boss Thomas Frank insists on a replacement before approving any exit.
- Mateta, 28, seeks a Champions League club ahead of the 2026 World Cup to boost his France national team chances under Didier Deschamps; Crystal Palace demand £40m.
- Nottingham Forest lead the chase for Mateta after agreeing personal terms at £150,000 per week, but talks over the fee continue; Tottenham are monitoring closely.
- Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League table, facing pressure on Frank despite Champions League progress, including a recent win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Kolo Muani has struggled at Tottenham, scoring only twice this season (both in Champions League) after a loan from PSG; he scored 10 goals for Juventus last season.
- Spurs recruitment team views Mateta as a strong fit for Frank’s system; no formal Palace contact yet, but background checks conducted.
- Other interest in Mateta from AC Milan and Juventus, both stalled over price; Forest cautious of bigger clubs intervening.
- Tottenham endured injuries and poor domestic form, relying on defenders like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for goals; Frank backed but under sack speculation.
- Transfer window nears end; Spurs open to central striker if opportunity arises alongside wide attacker focus.
North London (North London News) Tottenham Hotspur January 29, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly backing a move for an “amazing” Premier League striker amid mounting speculation over Randal Kolo Muani’s future at the club. The north London outfit, languishing in 14th place in the Premier League under manager Thomas Frank, are monitoring Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta as a potential replacement should Juventus secure Kolo Muani’s departure. This comes as Spurs grapple with a disappointing domestic campaign despite European success, including progression to the Champions League Round of 16 after a win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Why Are Tottenham Considering a Premier League Striker Now?
Tottenham’s season has been marred by inconsistency in the Premier League, with the team struggling in the bottom half of the table. As reported by Fraser Fletcher of TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has made it clear to club bosses that he would only approve the exit of Randal Kolo Muani if a replacement is signed first.
Sources indicate that a lack of quality up front has hindered Frank’s efforts, with the attack often relying on contributions from central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
The club’s recruitment staff are under pressure to bolster the squad amid injuries tearing through the team. TEAMtalk sources confirm that Spurs have been good in Europe but have failed to translate that form into Premier League success, leaving Frank under real pressure.
What Is the Latest Update on Randal Kolo Muani’s Transfer?
Juventus are intensifying efforts to bring back Randal Kolo Muani, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan in Turin, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists. As per TEAMtalk, following their earlier revelation, the Daily Mail claims Juventus are pushing hard for an immediate deal with parent club PSG, though it requires Frank’s green light.
Fabrizio Romano, cited via Sky Sports Italy by Cartilage Free Captain, indicates that neither Tottenham nor PSG are enthusiastic, given Juventus’ failure to secure a permanent deal last summer. Kolo Muani has only scored twice for Spurs this season, both in the Champions League, appearing disengaged after 23 appearances. TalkSPORT reports, as covered by the Express, suggest Tottenham is contemplating terminating the loan to allow a return to PSG, with Juventus keen on the 27-year-old.
BBC Sport notes that Juventus are stepping up their pursuit of the striker currently on loan at Tottenham from PSG.
Who Is Jean-Philippe Mateta and Why Tottenham?
Jean-Philippe Mateta, the 28-year-old Crystal Palace striker, is eager to leave Selhurst Park for Champions League football to enhance his profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup and secure a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad. Sources told Flashscore that Tottenham have explored a late move for the France international, conducting background checks as Forest lead with a £35m deal in discussion.
TEAMtalk reports that Palace demand a £40m package, with Forest agreeing personal terms at £150,000 a week but haggling over the fee; Palace remain firm on valuation. Spurs’ admiration persists, with recruitment believing Mateta fits Frank’s system perfectly as a complement if Kolo Muani departs.
Football FanCast describes Mateta as an “amazing” new striker in which Tottenham now hold genuine interest amid the Kolo Muani update. Givemesport echoes that Spurs are exploring the move for the Palace star available around £40m.
Which Clubs Are Competing for Mateta?
Nottingham Forest have stepped in to lead the pursuit after AC Milan and Juventus’ interests stalled over price. Sean Dyche’s side agreed personal terms, but caution prevails over potential intervention from top clubs like Tottenham. Palace are open to a sale but unwavering on £40m.
No formal contact between Tottenham and Palace as of Tuesday evening, per Flashscore sources, but an approach is considered viable given Spurs’ financial flexibility.
How Does This Fit Tottenham’s Season Struggles?
Tottenham’s Premier League woes contrast with European form, progressing to Champions League last 16 via top-eight finish and Frankfurt win, avoiding playoffs. Frank faces sack speculation despite backing, with the window’s final stages critical.
Spurs reviewed attacking options, primarily focusing on a wide attacker but open centrally for the right deal. Injuries have exacerbated issues, per initial reports from London World by Jamie Kemble.
What Happens Next in the Transfer Window?
Sources do not rule out Mateta crossing London to Spurs, sanctioning Kolo Muani’s exit as Juventus act quickly. Tottenham monitor both fronts closely in the window’s dying embers.
BBC Sport highlights this in broader rumours, including AC Milan’s interest in Radu Dragusin. Flashscore adds context with Spurs considering Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone.
TEAMtalk confirms Frank’s squad needs urgent bolstering to shift fortunes. As the 29 January deadline looms—effectively 1 February in practice—Spurs remain pivotal in turning around their campaign.
This developing story underscores Tottenham’s recruitment dilemma: replace adequately or risk further domestic peril. Frank’s stance ensures no rash exits, prioritising squad balance. Mateta’s ambition aligns with Spurs’ Champions League status, potentially catalysing change.
