Tottenham is Interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta
Tottenham is actively seeking to bolster their attacking options as they face challenges in scoring this season.
The North London club has shown interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to address their needs for a solid #9.
However, Mateta may be on the verge of joining AC Milan, raising questions about whether he fits the type of striker manager Thomas Frank wants or if Tottenham is waiting for a better opportunity.
Mateta’s potential move to AC Milan is noteworthy as he perfectly fits the attacking style that Thomas Frank has utilized. He combines size and agility and is technically skilled, embodying the characteristics that Frank seeks in a striker.
Mateta Fits Frank’s Strategy
During his tenure at Brentford, Frank built successful teams around strikers who contributed both in scoring and supporting the overall play.
The most notable example is Ivan Toney, who excelled at linking up play and pressing. Other players, including Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, also thrived by attacking second balls in Frank’s system.
Frank values a strong striker capable of transitioning defense into offense, as seen with Dominic Solanke, who is returning from injury.
Mateta fits this profile well. He may not be the flashiest player, but his tactical skills are valuable.
His size allows him to engage with defenders effectively, while his ability to press has been evident. He can also handle pressure and deliver quick passes, highlighting his capabilities in the penalty area.
Mateta is a #9 who could seamlessly integrate into the system, aligning with Frank’s current needs.
Why Didn’t Tottenham Pursue Mateta?
With Tottenham dealing with an injury crisis in their forward line, Frank likely desired more depth behind Solanke, who has recently returned from injury.
When Mateta became available, many viewed it as a prime opportunity for Tottenham to make a move, especially since Crystal Palace was willing to sell and he aims to finalize a deal with AC Milan.
However, Tottenham chose not to pursue Mateta, suggesting a deliberate decision.
This could indicate that the board sees Solanke as the immediate solution and believes he can fulfill Frank’s requirements for now, despite some concerns about his long-term scoring ability.
Another possibility is that the board wants to wait to identify their long-term manager before committing to significant transfers.
If Frank remains in charge past this season, pursuing a more traditional striker could make sense. But if he does not, Tottenham may want to stay flexible regarding future signings.
This situation gives the impression that opting not to sign Mateta was a strategic choice rather than a forced one.
Is Mateta a Signal of Uncertainty for Frank?
Players in uncertain situations often become short-term options or require time for better evaluation.
Mateta’s potential transfer to AC Milan may reflect an early indication that Tottenham is considering its longer-term plans, with Frank’s future remaining cloudy, similar to their search for a #9.