Nottingham Forest Lead Race for Mateta After £35 Million Bid

Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as one of the standout names of the transfer window, with Nottingham Forest pushing to accelerate a move from Crystal Palace.

Their offer, worth around £35 million, represents a significant statement of intent from Forest, particularly in a window that has also seen interest from AC Milan, Juventus and Aston Villa in the striker.

Sources indicate Mateta has been open to a major move in this window and was especially attracted by the prospect of joining Serie A. Juventus seriously explored a deal but are currently unable to match Forest’s proposal, having favoured a loan with an obligation to buy rather than a straight permanent transfer. Crystal Palace have been clear in their preference for an outright sale.

AC Milan are facing similar financial constraints, leaving Forest well placed to move ahead in the race for the striker - and hoping they can avoid late competition.

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While some sources have expressed surprise at Mateta’s willingness to consider the switch, Forest continue to press and believe they are in a strong position as of Monday evening.

Mateta has been understood to be keen on increasing his profile, improving his chances of breaking into the French national team and securing an improved contract. A move offering Champions League football had also been among his ambitions.

But Forest - currently 17th in the Premier League, two positions below Palace - have shown a strong desire to close the deal.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are actively exploring replacements in anticipation of Mateta’s departure, with Jorgen Strand Larsen among the forwards under consideration.

Juve concede they cannot sign Mateta under the current conditions, and after also missing out on Youssef En-Nesyri, they have been linked with other attacking options including Federico Chiesa and Joshua Zirkzee.

They have also made an enquiry about Randal Kolo Muani to discover whether Tottenham would cut short his loan spell.