Nottingham Forest have stepped firmly into the January transfer spotlight by submitting a £35million bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
It’s a bold approach, and one that underlines just how serious Forest are about strengthening their attack before the window shuts.
A Difficult Month at Selhurst Park
January has been anything but smooth for Crystal Palace.
The club have only managed one incoming deal so far, bringing Brennan Johnson through the door, while losing captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
To add to the uncertainty, manager Oliver Glasner has already confirmed he will walk away at the end of the season, leaving plenty of questions hanging over the club’s direction.
Mateta’s Exit Plans Are No Secret
Mateta himself has not hidden his wish to move on.
The French forward has been open about wanting a new challenge, with Juventus and Aston Villa both keeping tabs on his situation earlier in the window.
Despite that interest, neither club followed up with a formal offer, leaving Palace waiting for someone to make the first concrete move.
Old Tensions Add Extra Edge
Forest’s interest adds an extra layer of spice to the situation.
Relations between the two clubs have been strained since last summer, when Palace were removed from the Europa League and Forest took their place.
That history has quietly turned the fixture into a rivalry, making Forest’s bid all the more intriguing.
Contract Talks That Went Nowhere
Palace had hoped to tie Mateta down last summer and tabled a new contract with optimism.
Those discussions, however, stalled, and both sides were left some distance apart.
With just 18 months remaining on his current deal, the club has been bracing itself for the possibility of his departure.
Glasner Sets His Price
Earlier this month, Glasner was frank about the club’s stance.
He made it clear there is a figure Palace would accept if Mateta pushes for a move.
If no club meets that valuation, the striker will simply stay put.
Forest’s £35m bid may well test how firm that position really is.
Lining Up Life After Mateta
Behind the scenes, Palace have already started weighing up alternatives.
Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen and Strasbourg’s Joaquin Panichelli have both been considered, with the understanding that any Mateta exit would need to be matched by a guaranteed replacement up front.
Forest Still Searching for Firepower
Forest, meanwhile, are not hiding their need for goals.
Lorenzo Lucca has arrived on loan from Napoli, but with Chris Wood sidelined for the rest of the season, the club still want another reliable option.
Encouragingly for them, Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi both found the net in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brentford, easing some of the pressure.
One Last Appearance Amid the Uncertainty
Despite making his intentions known, Mateta featured for Palace against Chelsea on Sunday.
It was a frustrating afternoon, as he squandered two clear chances in a 3-1 defeat — moments that only fuelled the sense that a fresh start may be needed.
No Expected Issues Over Wages
At this stage, there is little concern about personal terms if Palace agree to sell.
The bigger question now is whether Forest’s offer is enough to convince the Eagles to cash in — or whether this transfer saga still has a few twists left to come.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on Palace’s response.
Accept the bid and move quickly for a replacement, or stand firm and risk keeping an unsettled striker? Either way, the next few days could prove decisive for both clubs.
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