Nottingham Forest are preparing a potential bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after the French forward’s contract situation was laid bare this week. The Reds are ready to submit an offer but will only pull the trigger if they sense a realistic chance of sealing a deal.
What is Crystal Palace’s stance on selling Jean-Philippe Mateta?
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest are monitoring Mateta’s contract talks closely. Palace were open to letting him leave in January when he nearly joined AC Milan, but now appear reluctant despite his deal expiring in under a year. Brown warned that if Forest come in with an offer Palace cannot refuse, the Eagles may have no choice but to sell.
Forest have funds to spend after selling Elliot Anderson for a sizeable fee earlier this summer. Pierre Sage’s side are weighing options but want to avoid wasting money on a drawn-out chase. “Nottingham Forest are definitely very much interested in Mateta,” Brown said. “It’s something that has come up before, and it looks like they’re going to explore whether or not they could do a deal.”
How does Mateta feel about joining Nottingham Forest?
Mateta pushed for a move to AC Milan in January, even refusing to play when Palace faced Forest at the City Ground before that deal collapsed. Money remains a key factor in his decision-making, alongside his ambition to play Champions League football. His relationship with former boss Pierre Sage could also sway him, as reuniting with the manager who gave him regular starts at Selhurst Park may tempt him to leave.
Brown added that Forest could sweeten any offer to land Mateta, who has been a consistent performer for Palace over the past two seasons. The Frenchman has featured heavily in their recent cup runs, including FA Cup and Conference League successes, and his Premier League pedigree makes him an attractive target for Forest.
Why this matters for Nottingham Forest
Forest sit 16th in the Premier League with 44 points from 38 games last season, 41 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Their recent form reads DLDWW, and they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on 24 May 2026. With just two wins in their last five outings, a proven striker like Mateta could provide the cutting edge Pierre Sage’s side need to climb the table.
Forest’s next fixture is at home to Coventry on 19 September 2026. A signing of Mateta’s calibre could reshape their attack before that clash and beyond. The club’s hierarchy will now wait to see if Palace signal any willingness to entertain offers before deciding whether to accelerate their interest.
