Tottenham are in the market for forward additions during the summer transfer window, and they may have been handed the perfect opportunity to sign one of their targets, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Tottenham have shown previous interest in Mateta, including from the summer, and have held talks to determine his availability.
Mateta started Palace's opening game against Everton, but it was a disappointing display from the French striker.
Spurs are in the market to sign multiple new forwards over the coming weeks, with both Omar Marmoush and Savinho heavily linked.
Their recruitment is unlikely to stop there, though, particularly after suffering a worrying defeat against Brentford in their opening game of the season.
Mateta Premier League stats 2025/26
Appearances: 32
Goals: 12
Aerial duels won: 2.1 per game
Shots: 2 per game
Signing a striker certainly won't solve all of Tottenham's problems following their performance against Brentford, but it does feel like it would be beneficial for the North London club.
With talks reportedly underway over a possible move for Mateta, Tottenham could now have been handed a perfect chance to secure his signature.
Shortly after Palace's defeat against Everton, news emerged that Mateta has launched an official challenge over the validity of the final 10 months of his Palace contract, taking the situation to FIFA.
Mateta believes that he feels the final year of his contract, which is this current year, is invalid, and he's taken the matter to the relevant authorities.
Although this is likely a situation that has been ongoing for a while, the news breaking could have an impact on Palace's decision regarding his future.
It's certainly not a good look for the club that one of their players is fighting against them over a potential contract, clearly showing that he doesn't want to be there.
As a result, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Palace now opened the door for an exit.
Marmoush isn't the only answer
As mentioned, Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move to sign Man City forward Omar Marmoush in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
Despite that, they could still try another centre-forward, especially with Richarlison being linked with a move away from the club.
Marmoush is also capable of playing in multiple different positions in the forward line, so it's not guaranteed that he's going to start every week in the centre-forward position.
Someone like Mateta is your typical old-school striker, and having that focal point in the side could be what they need going forward.