Tottenham Consider Premier League Striker Move Amid Juventus Interest in Kolo Muani
Tottenham Hotspur are being backed to pursue a reliable Premier League forward this month as speculation grows around the future of loan striker Randal Kolo Muani. The North London club find themselves at a crucial juncture in their season, attempting to salvage what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign despite showing promise in European competition.
Spurs' Form and Injury Crisis Create Urgent Need
While Tottenham secured progression to the Champions League Round of 16 with an impressive away victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, translating that success to domestic football has proven challenging. Manager Thomas Frank faces mounting pressure with his side languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The situation has been exacerbated by a significant injury crisis that has ravaged the squad. Key players including Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur are sidelined for several months, while Pedro Porro faces weeks on the treatment table. The departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace earlier in the transfer window has further depleted attacking options, leaving Frank with limited choices at the sharp end of the pitch.
Juventus Intensify Pursuit of Kolo Muani
With less than a week remaining in the January transfer window, European giants Juventus are reportedly preparing to intensify their efforts to sign Randal Kolo Muani. The French striker, currently on loan at Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain, previously impressed during a loan spell with the Italian club.
Despite struggling to find consistent form during his time in North London, Muani demonstrated his value with a crucial goal against former club Frankfurt in midweek. After the match, Frank expressed his satisfaction with the striker's contribution, stating: "I was very happy that he scored the goal. He looked like a threat throughout the game and I hope this will give him some confidence."
The manager added with characteristic humour: "I said to him, please start scoring against others than your former clubs, that would be nice!"
Tottenham Identify Potential Replacement in Mateta
According to reports, Tottenham are already assessing potential replacements should Juventus succeed in their pursuit of Muani. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as a serious option for Spurs, with the French forward reportedly expressing his desire to leave Selhurst Park.
The situation at Palace has become increasingly uncertain following Marc Guehi's departure and with manager Oliver Glasner expected to leave in the summer. Mateta's contract situation adds further complexity, with his current deal expiring in 2027, meaning Palace face diminishing returns the longer they hold onto their asset.
Several clubs including AC Milan and Nottingham Forest have already made approaches worth around £35 million for Mateta, but Palace have so far resisted selling. Juventus themselves were previously priced out of a deal for the striker.
Glasner's Praise Highlights Mateta's Quality
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has consistently praised Mateta's impact, describing the striker as "amazing in the box" following a match-winning brace earlier this season. The Austrian manager highlighted the forward's intelligent movement and resilience, noting: "He makes so many runs where he doesn't get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker, but he gets his reward."
As the transfer window enters its final days, Tottenham face critical decisions that could significantly impact their season. The potential departure of Muani coupled with their ongoing injury crisis creates an urgent need for reinforcements, making Mateta an increasingly attractive option for a club desperate to revive their Premier League fortunes.
