Italian giants Juventus are significantly increasing their attempts to secure the signature of forward Randal Kolo Muani from Tottenham Hotspur during this month's transfer window. The 27-year-old French international, who is currently on loan at Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain, has endured a challenging spell in North London marked by injury setbacks and a notable lack of Premier League goals.
Kolo Muani's Struggles and Juventus Interest
Randal Kolo Muani's time at Tottenham has been largely disrupted by fitness issues, preventing him from finding the net in domestic competition. His only two goals for the club both came in a memorable Champions League performance against his parent club, PSG. Despite escaping unharmed from a car accident on the M25 motorway earlier this week, his future appears to lie elsewhere.
Juventus are particularly keen to bolster their attacking options, given their current shortage of firepower. Key striker Dusan Vlahovic is sidelined with an injury until March and is anticipated to depart when his contract concludes at the season's end. Furthermore, Lois Openda, on loan from RB Leipzig, has managed just two goals, amplifying the need for reinforcements.
The Turin-based club has fond memories of Kolo Muani's previous loan stint at the end of last season, where he impressed with eight goals in sixteen Serie A appearances. This history makes him a prime target as they seek to address their offensive deficiencies.
Tottenham's Position and Potential Replacement
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has publicly emphasised the difficulties his squad faces due to injuries and UEFA ineligibility issues, stating he cannot afford to lose players this month. However, the club would be open to negotiating Kolo Muani's departure if they can secure an upgrade in the forward positions.
Spurs have been actively searching for a solution to their problem on the left side of the front three, but recent tactical adjustments have seen Frank shift to a system utilising wing-backs and two number 10s, rather than traditional wide forwards. This alteration has brought Crystal Palace's unsettled centre-forward, Jean-Philippe Mateta, into serious consideration as the transfer deadline approaches.
Mateta's Situation and Suitors
Jean-Philippe Mateta has explicitly expressed his desire to leave Crystal Palace, joining a growing exodus from the club. His availability has attracted attention from several teams, including Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and AC Milan, with Forest reportedly submitting a £35 million bid. Villa's recent acquisition of Tammy Abraham from Besiktas may affect their pursuit, but interest remains high.
For Tottenham, the 28-year-old Mateta presents an appealing option. He would offer a consistent goal threat, significant aerial presence, and the ability to share the centre-forward workload with Dominic Solanke. This would allow Mathys Tel, who has not yet proven himself as an outright number nine, to compete with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons for supporting roles behind the striker or in wide positions, depending on Frank's tactical flexibility.
As the transfer window draws to a close, the movements of Kolo Muani and Mateta are poised to create significant ripples across European football, with Juventus and Tottenham at the heart of the unfolding drama.
