Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are reportedly set to battle it out for Parma sensation Mateo Pellegrino.
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have joined a growing list of European clubs monitoring Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino, as interest in the Argentine forward intensifies ahead of the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has rapidly become one of Serie A’s most intriguing breakout performers, drawing attention with his blend of physical presence, technical security, and tactical maturity.
Pellegrino’s profile rose significantly during Parma’s recent match against AC Milan, where he struck the post, repeatedly troubled the Rossoneri defence, and outshone high-profile attackers such as Christopher Nkunku. According to Corriere della Sera, Milan directors Geoffrey Moncada and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were impressed with his performance, prompting fresh internal discussions at the club. But they are far from alone in viewing Pellegrino as a compelling long-term investment.
According to Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are both evaluating striker options for different reasons, yet Pellegrino fits the recruitment vision of each club. Spurs, still seeking attacking depth to support and eventually succeed their current striker options, are attracted to Pellegrino’s ability to occupy defenders, link play, and offer a late-game physical alternative.
For Ange Postecoglou’s successor, Thomas Frank, who favours transitions and aerial threat, the Argentinian attacker offers a stylistic profile that does not currently exist in the squad. West Ham, meanwhile, face uncertainty over the future of their forward line, with long-term considerations around Callum Wilson and continued inconsistency from their attacking alternatives.
Pellegrino’s aggression, hold-up ability, and directness make him a fit for the physical demands of Nuno Espirito Santo’s system, particularly as the Hammers look toward strengthening depth for both domestic and European campaigns.
Parma, however, have made their stance clear. The club rejected a bid from the Premier League last summer, signalling their belief that Pellegrino’s value will rise significantly. Sporting director Francesco Cherubini, who secured the player from Velez Sarsfield for €2 million plus 50% of future resale, views Pellegrino as a long-term asset rather than a short-term cash opportunity. Any club wishing to secure him in January will likely need to submit an offer over €30 million.
The competition for Pellegrino extends beyond England. AS Roma, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, and Nottingham Forest are all tracking his development, while AC Milan are weighing a move either in January or during the summer window. For now, Pellegrino’s future remains in Parma’s hands, but the Premier League pull, particularly the financial strength of Tottenham and West Ham, cannot be ignored.
Whether January proves the right moment for a bidding war remains to be seen. What is certain is that Pellegrino has positioned himself as one of Europe’s most sought-after emerging forwards, with both London clubs firmly in contention as the chase begins to heat up.