Nottingham Forest surprised the Premier League with a bold £35m offer for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, sparking what is likely to be the most controversial transfer move of the winter window.
The Athletic reports that Forest have made a formal bid of £35m to bring the in-form Frenchman to the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest make surprise bid for Jean-Philippe Mateta
The move signals Forest’s serious intentions to strengthen their attacking line-up for the second half of the season.
While the bid is significant, reports suggest personal conditions are not a hurdle and the 28-year-old is open to a move.
However, negotiations between clubs remain a challenge. The report said Palace had made it clear they would not be bullied into selling. The Eagles have set a tough valuation of around £40m and insist they will only allow him to leave if they can secure an immediate replacement.
The report goes on to add that the south London club is already considering its contingency plans, with Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen identified as a key target.
Why a potential transfer is controversial
What makes these negotiations particularly contentious is the recent animosity between the hierarchy of both clubs.
Relations have cooled to say the least after last season’s bitter off-field disputes.
Tensions escalated after Nottingham Forest lodged a formal complaint with UEFA regarding Crystal Palace’s breach of multi-club ownership rules.
The fallout from this investigation ultimately resulted in the club losing their place in the Europa League and being replaced by Nottingham Forest.
It remains to be seen whether Palace are willing to make a deal with the club responsible for their Europa League expulsion.
Crystal Palace cannot afford to lose Mateta this season
It’s been a difficult month for Crystal Palace. The Frenchman has been Glasner’s best attacker since last season.
He contributed to Palace’s historic season last season, scoring an incredible 17 goals in 46 games.
He has continued his good form so far this season with 10 goals, bringing his club total to 56 goals and 13 assists.
Palace had already sold Marc Guehi to Manchester City this month, resulting in a backlash from the manager himself, who publicly blamed the club hierarchy for abandoning the team.
In the aftermath of the transfer, Glasner announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of this season.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Adam Wharton is also closing in on a move to Liverpool.
Things are not looking too bright for Steve Parish’s side, with Mateta’s future at the club also uncertain, with interest from Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
