Mateta opens the door to Manchester United, Tottenham target Jan Paul van Hecke.
Crystal Palace striker wants to leave in January for a fee that could exceed £40 million; Spurs are planning for Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026. Real Madrid and Manchester United are closely monitoring Christos Mouzakitis.
The transfer market is heating up with two main focuses: Jean-Philippe Mateta has expressed his desire to leave Crystal Palace amid interest from Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are planning for Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026. In addition, Real Madrid and Manchester United are competing for Christos Mouzakitis; AC Milan have reached an agreement with Juan Arizala; Arsenal are monitoring Rodrigo Mendoza; and Brighton are targeting Lamare Bogarde.
Mateta is open to a move to Manchester United, with a potential fee of over £40 million.
According to TEAMtalk, Jean-Philippe Mateta has informed Crystal Palace's management of his desire to leave and try his luck at a higher level during the January transfer window. Manchester United remain interested in solving their attacking problems. Mateta is in excellent form in the Premier League this season with 7 goals, possessing powerful runs and diverse finishing abilities. Crystal Palace are reportedly willing to consider an offer above £40 million.
The right angle
With his impressive physique, tackling ability, and diverse finishing skills, Mateta is seen as a suitable addition to Manchester United's short-term need to strengthen their attacking line.
Real Madrid and Manchester United are competing for Christos Mouzakitis.
The Sun reports that Real Madrid and Manchester United are the two main contenders in the race to sign the 18-year-old Olympiacos midfielder. Mouzakitis impressed in the UEFA Champions League when he faced Real Madrid, earning praise from Los Blancos' head coach Xabi Alonso. This impressive performance has put him on the radar of AC Milan, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham Hotspur are planning for Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026.
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are planning to spend £40 million to sign Brighton & Hove Albion center-back Jan Paul van Hecke in 2026. Spurs have been monitoring the player for a long time and considered an offer last summer before shifting their focus. Van Hecke is currently a key player for Brighton, having made 14 Premier League appearances this season; his consistency and impressive ball-playing ability are two qualities that Tottenham value highly.
Significance of the plan
The long-term plan extending to 2026 demonstrates Tottenham's patience in preparing their central defensive line, using the scouting period to minimize recruitment risks.
Arsenal are monitoring Rodrigo Mendoza of Elche.
Sky Sports News reports that Arsenal have sent scouts to monitor Rodrigo Mendoza, the Spanish U21 international currently playing for Elche. The central midfielder is known for his ball control and tactical awareness, having made 10 domestic appearances this season and scored one goal. Arsenal see him as a future investment, fitting their possession-based philosophy.
AC Milan reaches agreement to sign Juan Arizala
Fabrizio Romano revealed that AC Milan have reached an agreement to sign 20-year-old full-back Juan Arizala from Deportivo Independiente Medellin for a fee of €3 million, with a profit-sharing clause in case of future sales. Arizala is considered one of Colombia's brightest talents, having rejected offers from England and Belgium to choose Milan. He has 22 caps for the Colombian U20 team, made his debut in early 2025, and was a key player in the team's third-place finish at the recent U20 World Cup.
Brighton targets Lamare Bogarde to replace Carlos Baleba
According to the Telegraph, Brighton & Hove Albion are closely monitoring Aston Villa's Lamare Bogarde as a long-term replacement for Carlos Baleba. Bogarde possesses excellent physical fitness and tackling ability, fitting Brighton's criteria of proactively preparing before selling key players.
The overall picture
These moves reveal a clearly stratified market: teams needing immediate upgrades, such as Manchester United, are focusing on ready-to-play options, while Tottenham and Brighton are maintaining long-term plans. Many big clubs are also accelerating their pursuit of young talent, including Arsenal and Real Madrid, along with Manchester United's signing of Mouzakitis, and AC Milan finalizing the Arizala deal for €3 million.
