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Nottingham Forest submit Jean-Philippe Mateta bid as Crystal Palace star seeks exit
Jan 26 2026 19:14 · By onefootball.com · 9 Reads
French striker is keen on a move away from south London
Nottingham Forest have approached Crystal Palace to offer £35million for Jean-Philippe Mateta .
The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with rumours intensifying after Eagles boss Oliver Glasner admitted that the striker could be sold should the right price be offered.
Standard Sport understands that the 28-year-old wishes to leave Palace this month and is now the subject of a new pursuit from Forest, who have told Palace they are willing to pay £35m to sign him.
The Eagles value Mateta at around £35m-£40m, and are unwilling to loan him out unless there is an obligation to buy attached which reaches their valuation of the France international.
Aston Villa also renewed their interest in Mateta earlier this month, while Juventus were also keen on landing him earlier this month. The finances of a deal, however, proved a stumbling block for the Serie A side.
Mateta first appeared on Villa’s radar back in the summer 2024.
It has long been known that Mateta has ambitions of playing Champions League football and he has turned down the option to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park.
A move to the City Ground - where Forest are currently competing in the Europa League - gives Mateta a potential route into Europe’s top competition should Sean Dyche’s side win the tournament.
Forest are currently 16th in the Europa League table, and on course for a place in the play-off round to progress into the knockout stages.
Dyche’s side have already signed a striker this month, landing Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli until the end of the season.
First-choice centre-forward Chris Wood has struggled with injury this term, with the New Zealand international out since October with a knee injury. Igor Jesus has been leading the line.
Wood, who scored 20 goals in 40 games last season, had surgery in late December.
Palace have already lost a key player this month, with club captain Marc Guehi sold to Manchester City for £20m plus substantial bonuses.