Tottenham Hotspur are looking at potential striker options for January as they seek greater competition for Dominic Solanke.

Solanke struggled with fitness and form throughout last season. He managed just three goals in 15 Premier League appearances, with an ankle problem limiting his impact. The England international is yet to break his duck in the Premier League this term.

Omar Marmoush, signed on a season-long loan from Manchester City with a buy obligation, has yet to provide the kind of support to Solanke up top that Roberto De Zerbi would have craved. Richarlison has been left out of the Premier League squad by De Zerbi, and there is a big chance he’s cashed in during the winter transfer window. Thus, signing an out-and-out striker appears to be one of the club’s priorities in 2027.

Tottenham get boost to land Crystal Palace striker

Spurs were being linked with moves to sign new strikers in the summer transfer window, but failed to get a deal over the line. One striker who is likely to be on the move next summer is Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a player Spurs have previously done work on. The French striker has been trying to secure a move away from Crystal Palace for much of the last two years. Now, according to Football Insider, the 29-year-old will leave Crystal Palace in 2027 and not sign a new deal. The main question is whether the Eagles cash him in January or let him leave as a free agent next summer.

Several clubs in the Premier League and across Europe have been keeping a close eye on Mateta’s situation, and the south London outfit could open the door to offers in January. The Frenchman has been nursing an injury in the early stages of the season, limiting his impact under new manager Pierre Sage. Yet, the centre-forward remains a key player for Palace.

“His future is pretty much certain at Palace right now; he’s in the final year of his contract, and we do expect him to leave Palace,” Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast (h/t Football Insider).

“The question is about whether that’s in January or next summer when his contract expires; that’s the decision Crystal Palace have to make. He obviously came very close to leaving last January when that move to Milan was agreed, but it eventually fell through after a medical.

“There are a number of clubs looking at Mateta, so a lot will depend on what Palace want to do and whether they see January as their last chance to cash in on him.

“But Palace are resigned to losing him at some point in the near future; it’s just about whether it happens in January or let him leave when his contract expires in the summer.”

Mateta would be a smart signing for Palace

Mateta already has experience playing in the Premier League. He has netted 42 Premier League goals across the last three seasons at Selhurst Park, making him an attractive option for a club looking for an established goalscorer.

Tottenham desperately need such a profile in their attack. Solanke’s fitness problems have highlighted the need for another reliable option up front, and Richarlison is also likely to be moved on. Mateta, on a cut-price deal in January, would represent a smart signing for the Lilywhites. Other clubs are also keen, meaning De Zerbi’s side could face competition if they decide to formalise their interest.