Jean-Philippe Mateta has been on Tottenham’s radar for some time.
Tottenham is looking to strengthen its attack as they struggle to score goals this season.
The club has shown interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to fill the number nine spot.
However, Mateta seems to be on the verge of joining AC Milan, raising questions about whether he fits Thomas Frank’s vision or if Tottenham has decided to wait for a better opportunity.
Mateta’s potential transfer to AC Milan is notable because he aligns well with the attacking style we’ve seen under Frank at Tottenham. He’s strong, agile, and more skilled than his size might suggest, fitting well into Frank’s preferred striker profile.
Mateta is a typical ‘Frank’ striker
During his time at Brentford, Frank built successful teams around strikers who were more than just scorers; they were pivotal to the team’s structure.
Ivan Toney is often the first name that comes to mind when discussing Frank’s strikers. He was effective in duels and also clever with his positioning. Toney excelled in linking up plays and applying pressure.
Others like Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo also benefited from this setup, playing aggressively and exploiting opportunities created by Frank’s system.
We’ve seen Frank favor physical strikers who can withstand pressure and transition from defense to offense, as demonstrated with Solanke and earlier with Richarlison.
Mateta meets these criteria. While he may not be the flashiest striker, his tactical presence is invaluable.
The French forward can hold his own against defenders in the Premier League, showing good mobility while pressing and receiving the ball under pressure.
Importantly, Mateta has a strong presence in the penalty area and can be effective even with fewer chances.
He is a striker who can make the system work, fulfilling what Frank currently needs.
Why didn’t Tottenham pursue Mateta?
With Tottenham facing injury issues in the striking department, Frank would likely want more depth behind Dominic Solanke, who has just returned from a long injury layoff.
When Mateta became available, it seemed like a chance for Tottenham to make a move, especially since Crystal Palace was open to selling.
But Tottenham decided against pursuing him, indicating a strategic choice.
This decision could stem from a belief that Solanke is capable of filling the #9 role effectively under Frank, despite some concerns about his long-term goalscoring ability.
Another factor may be the board’s intention to determine their long-term managerial direction before making significant signings.
If Frank remains through the summer, a signing similar to Toney or Mbeumo could make sense. However, if he doesn’t, the club may prefer a flexible approach for future signings.
This makes the decision not to go for Mateta seem more intentional than coincidental.
Is Mateta a sign of uncertainty for Frank?
For Frank, this situation is revealing. Typically, managers with strong support get the strikers they want, while those under scrutiny may settle for temporary options or face delays in signings.
Mateta’s move to Milan could signal that Tottenham is looking beyond the immediate future, suggesting uncertainty about Frank’s long-term position at the club and their next #9.