Nottingham Forest have seen further offers for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta turned down as they intensify their efforts to secure his signature during this transfer window. The Championship club has made at least two formal bids for the French striker and has already agreed personal terms with the player, but they have yet to meet Palace's valuation.
Palace's Strategic Moves in the Transfer Market
Crystal Palace have agreed a deal in principle with Wolverhampton Wanderers worth £45 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons for Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. This significant move has given Forest hope that it might pave the way for Mateta's departure from Selhurst Park this month.
Valuation Gap Proves Stumbling Block
Despite Forest's determined pursuit, Palace have maintained their valuation of approximately £40 million for Mateta. The striker himself would prefer to join a larger European club, with Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus showing interest. However, neither Italian club has been able to match Palace's desired pay structure or meet their valuation requirements.
Palace's negotiations for Strand Larsen reveal their ambitious transfer strategy. The South London club have secured the forward for £50 million after initial discussions revealed Wolves's valuation was closer to £55 million, a figure that Newcastle United had offered during the summer transfer window.
Palace's Dilemma: Sell Now or Hold Until Summer
With Crystal Palace sliding down the Premier League table in alarming fashion, chairman Steve Parish and his fellow co-owners face a difficult decision. While Mateta has made it clear he wants to leave Selhurst Park, the club may opt to retain their top scorer until the summer.
The risk of allowing their leading goalscorer to depart mid-season appears substantial given their current league position. Even if Palace would have to accept a lower transfer fee in the summer, keeping Mateta would give them a better chance of Premier League survival and potentially finishing higher up the table, thereby collecting more substantial prize money.
Forest's Determination and Upcoming Fixture
Nottingham Forest remain determined to secure Mateta's services despite the current obstacles. With Crystal Palace scheduled to visit the City Ground on February 1st, decisive conversations between the clubs may not take place until after this crucial Premier League encounter.
Despite existing animosity between the two clubs, it is understood that officials from Crystal Palace will still attend the match at Forest's stadium. The relationship between the clubs has been strained by recent events, including Palace's fury last summer when a UEFA ruling saw them demoted from the Conference League, allowing Forest to take their Europa League spot.
Further tension arose when Forest complained about a banner displayed at Selhurst Park during their 1-1 draw last August. The banner made references to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, adding another layer to the clubs' complicated relationship.
As the transfer window progresses, both clubs face critical decisions that could significantly impact their respective seasons. Forest's pursuit of Mateta continues alongside Palace's strategic planning for their attacking options, creating a fascinating subplot to the Premier League's mid-season transfer activity.
