Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank needs to prioritise raiding Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in 2026 as Richarlison's performance in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United highlighted how badly they need to lure Jean-Philippe Mateta to Hotspur Way.
Spurs splashed the cash during a summer of change, with Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons bringing added creativity to north London after Europa League-winning Ange Postecoglou had been removed from the dugout, and they have enjoyed a productive start to their European campaign at the same time as flying high domestically.
But it has already become abundantly clear in the early months of Frank's reign that he needs to secure a prolific goalscorer if he wants to take this Tottenham side to the next level and add to the trophy cabinet. Mateta, who has been in scintillating form for Crystal Palace, would be a perfect addition to the squad.
Spurs are Keeping Tabs on Mateta Contract Situation
Tottenham are keeping tabs on Mateta's situation at Crystal Palace, according to Football Insider, and they may have an opportunity to pounce if he shows a reluctance to signing a new contract. Should that prove to be the case, Frank needs to take advantage and hand him an exit route out of Selhurst Park.
The two-cap France international grabbed his seventh goal of the season as his current employers overcame Liverpool to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, while he also bagged a hat-trick in a stalemate with Bournemouth earlier this month, emphasising that he is in the form of his life.
Although Crystal Palace kept their hopes of winning silverware alive, Tottenham were knocked out of the competition by Newcastle. Richarlison was not at his best, appeared to lack sharpness and did not profit when Lucas Bergvall put a glorious pass across the face of goal in the first half. There is absolutely no doubt that Mateta would be an immediate upgrade.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Jean-Philippe Mateta has been averaging a goal every 157 minutes in the Premier League this season
The striker is on course to enter the final 18 months of his deal at the turn of the year and, if he gives indications that he is not prepared to extend his stay, Spurs need to ensure they are at the front of the queue. The north Londoners would also be in a strong position to hand him a significant increase on his current salary of £50,000-per-week before bonuses.
Mateta would thrive off the service from Kudus and Simons, along with creative midfielder James Maddison when he returns from his long-term injury, and he would surely be interested in making the switch if the opportunity to compete in the Champions League is on offer.
North Londoners Need to be Ruthless in Mateta Push
Tottenham are long-term admirers of Mateta, having also made a £40million enquiry when the transfer window was still open for business during the summer, and they need to make sure they get the deal over the line instead of having a repeat of the situation which saw his former teammate Eberechi Eze head to arch-rivals Arsenal.
Considering the 28-year-old FA Cup winner's form in the final third of the pitch, Spurs should expect serious competition for an agreement if they choose to up the ante by entering discussions. As a result, they will have to be smart and make sure they cannot be gazumped in the race for his signature.
Missing out on capturing Eze was a painful experience for Tottenham supporters, mainly because of who he ended up joining. It highlighted that they need to be more ruthless in the transfer market. Of course, then-executive chairman Daniel Levy would not be leading negotiations on this occasion, but they need to have Mateta at the top of their priorities list.