Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to scour the market for a new number nine as Richarlison’s future at the club hangs in the balance.
According to reports, Spurs are looking to make multiple additions to their forward line before the window slams shut, with a left-winger and striker thought to be a priority for the Lilywhites.
This has been confirmed by Roberto De Zerbi, who has insisted that Tottenham will go for their top attacking targets rather than settling for Plan B or C.
Meanwhile, Richarlison continues to be linked with a move away from Spurs despite ending last season as the club’s top goalscorer.
Tottenham will only sell Richarlison after signing a replacement
Former Tottenham scout, Mick Brown, has now confirmed that Spurs are open to listening to offers for the Brazilian, who has just a year left on his contract.
However, he revealed that the North London club would only consider selling him after they have signed a new number nine.
Brown told Football Insider: “We speak about Richarlison in almost every transfer window. I’m told Tottenham have been ready to let him go for a while, but the problem they have is, they aren’t exactly blessed with great depth in that centre-forward position.
“Richarlison isn’t consistent enough, but Dominic Solanke can’t stay fit, Kolo Muani has gone back to his parent club, and Tel hasn’t proved he can lead the line.
“So let’s say they let Richarlison leave now, they’re left with Solanke and Tel, and neither of those players are stitched-on certainties. I’m sure Tottenham would like to move Richarlison on, because he’s not been at his best for a couple of years now, but they’ll only be able to do that if they can sign a replacement.
“Realistically, they want to bring somebody in before they let any of their strikers go, so De Zerbi and the scouting team will have been having a look at different targets. They haven’t been afraid to spend money this summer, and I expect they will be prepared to spend again, but they really need a consistent striker to lead the line.”
Which number nine are Spurs likely to make a move for?
De Zerbi’s comments about Tottenham prioritising a move for their top targets are very telling when it comes to the club’s quest for a new number nine.
Tottenham insiders have said that the club’s interest in Eli Junior Kroupi has not gone away, with the Frenchman seemingly continuing to be at the top of their striker wishlist.
With no other number nine being heavily linked with a move to N17, one would expect the Lilywhites to test the waters with an offer for Kroupi sooner rather than later.