Nottingham Forest have stepped up their transfer plans in the winter window, submitting a formal bid for France international of DR Congo descent, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Premier League side are understood to have lodged an offer in the region of £35 million in an attempt to secure the 28-year-old French forward, who plies his trade for Crystal Palace on a permanent deal.
Forest are keen to strengthen their attacking options and have identified Mateta as a key target ahead of the next phase of the season.
However, Crystal Palace are standing firm in their valuation of the striker. The London club have reportedly made it clear that they are unwilling to sanction Mateta’s departure for anything less than £40 million, setting the stage for potential negotiations between the two clubs in the coming days.
Meanwhile, personal terms are not expected to pose any significant hurdles. Nottingham Forest are said to have carried out a detailed assessment of Mateta’s contractual expectations and are prepared to meet his demands in full should an agreement be reached with Palace.
Mateta has been a regular presence for Crystal Palace this season, making 34 appearances across all competitions. He has contributed 10 goals and four assists, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking play. The French striker is currently under contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2027, a factor that strengthens Palace’s negotiating position as Forest look to close the gap in valuation.
