Tottenham’s summer overhaul is already well underway, but which striker targets should Roberto De Zerbi look at in the transfer window?
Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi look likely to join from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively. Both deals would bring much-needed experience, leadership and steel to a back line that has looked vulnerable for far too long.
The biggest problem over the past two seasons, however, has been creating and converting chances. With James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus all returning, plus Xavi Simons waiting in the wings, there is no shortage of creative talent.
Unfortunately, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have not provided the level of goals required. If Tottenham are serious about climbing back up the table, they need a striker capable of scoring between 20 and 30 goals a season.
Here are five options to consider.
1. Victor Osimhen would be a dream signing for Tottenham
Osimhen is one of the most gifted centre-forwards in world football. Many believe it is only a matter of time before he returns to one of Europe’s elite leagues and establishes himself as one of the game’s dominant strikers.
If Tottenham wanted to make a statement signing, this would certainly be one.
A deal would likely require an investment of around £80 million for the Nigerian international, who scored 22 goals in 33 games for Galatasaray this season. On top of that, he would almost certainly become the highest-paid player in the club’s history, making any move difficult to pull off.
From a tactical standpoint, Osimhen has everything. Pace, power, movement and elite finishing make him one of the most feared forwards in the game.
Potential Impact: 10/10
Likelihood of Happening: 1/10
2. Gonçalo Ramos is surely frustrated at PSG
The Portuguese striker is reportedly growing frustrated with his role behind Ousmane Dembélé in the pecking order at PSG and is believed to be open to a move in search of regular first-team football.
There is no doubt Ramos would add genuine quality to Tottenham’s attack.
A deal would likely cost upwards of £70 million, but that could still represent good value given his age, quality and long-term potential.
Ramos combines intelligent link-up play with excellent movement in the penalty area. Of all the names on this list, he is perhaps the closest stylistically to Harry Kane. His return of 12 goals in 32 games is not spectacular, but his overall influence on matches is significant and exactly the kind of quality Tottenham have been lacking.
Potential Impact: 8/10
Likelihood of Happening: 4/10
3. Jean-Philippe Mateta seems destined for a summer move
The powerful French forward would be an excellent signing. He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, finding the net 15 times last season, while also scoring the winner in the UEFA Conference League final.
Mateta’s current market value sits at around £28 million, but it would likely take something closer to £50 million to persuade Crystal Palace to sell their star striker.
From a tactical perspective, Mateta would give Tottenham a genuine focal point in attack. His hold-up play is outstanding, he can stretch defences by running in behind, and he is a major aerial threat. If Tottenham create chances, Mateta has shown he can finish them.
Potential Impact: 8/10
Likelihood of Happening: 5/10
4. Could Tottenham shop at Chelsea for Nicolas Jackson?
Fresh from a season-long loan spell learning under Harry Kane, there are many who believe Nicolas Jackson has matured and is finally ready for a leading role. Could he become Tottenham’s main man?
A transfer fee in the region of £45 million could be enough to tempt Chelsea into negotiations, although London rivals are rarely keen to strengthen one another.
Two years ago, Jackson showed flashes of his potential in the Premier League, including a hat-trick at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, his finishing was often criticised. Under Kane’s guidance, he scored 11 goals in 33 appearances, many of them from the bench.
The talent is there. The question is whether Tottenham would be willing to take the gamble.
Potential Impact: 7/10
Likelihood of Happening: 5/10
5. Igor Thiago would be a shrewd signing for Spurs
Thiago has enjoyed a sensational season, scoring 22 Premier League goals and establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous forwards.
With Brentford missing out on European football, there will be no shortage of clubs monitoring his situation.
Brentford hold all the cards in any negotiations and would almost certainly demand a huge fee. A figure of around £60 million might be enough to get discussions started, but Thiago would likely need to push for the move himself.
He is quick, powerful and possesses that priceless striker’s instinct of being in the right place at the right time. He is also an outstanding penalty taker, although Tottenham would first need to be awarded a penalty for that quality to be fully appreciated.
Potential Impact: 8/10
Likelihood of Happening: 6/10
Tottenham have never truly replaced the goals once provided by Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
The club has a proud tradition of iconic strikers. Teddy Sheringham, Jürgen Klinsmann, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov and Peter Crouch are just some of the forwards who became fan favourites over the years.
Unfortunately, there have also been plenty who failed to live up to expectations. Darren Bent, Sergei Rebrov and Roberto Soldado immediately spring to mind.
Richarlison and Solanke deserve credit for their effort and commitment, but neither looks capable of taking Tottenham to the next level.
If Spurs are serious about moving back towards the top end of the Premier League, signing a top-class striker has to be the priority.
Quite simply, Tottenham need a goalscorer.