With less than two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, there’s still work for Tottenham Hotspur to do. Their attention has turned to Roberto De Zerbi‘s frontline and ending what has already been an impressive summer.
Whether they get their moves done in time is the big question. The Lilywhites have set their sights on Cody Gakpo, Savinho, Omar Marmoush and others. The focus is to spend big one last time for their manager.
It’s easy to see why the frontline has their focus, too. As things stand, Spurs are entering the new campaign with an injury-prone Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, who has been linked with a return to Everton, and young Mathys Tel. If they want to secure a top four place, that simply won’t be enough.
|
Tottenham’s current striker options 26/27 |
Role |
Short description |
|---|---|---|
|
Dominic Solanke |
Centre-forward |
First-choice No. 9 who leads the line, presses and provides a physical focal point |
|
Richarlison |
Centre-forward |
Experienced alternative capable of playing centrally |
|
Mathys Tel |
Centre-forward / Forward |
Young, versatile attacker who can play through the middle or from the left |
There’s been clear signs that De Zerbi could be looking to replicate his Brighton & Hove Albion side in North London this summer. Jan Paul van Hecke is a clear example of that, as is Marcos Senesi – two centre-backs who stand out through their ability to progress play using their passing range.
Meanwhile, Mateus Fernandes could quite easily become the Italian’s new version of Pascal Gross – offering stability out of possession whilst dictating play on the ball.
But there remains one area which he is yet to replicate. That comes in the frontline. De Zerbi is yet to welcome the player who could provide what Danny Welbeck did at Brighton, but Tim Sherwood believes one transfer target would provide exactly that.
Tim Sherwood: Jackson could ‘answer’ Tottenham problem
Speaking with Football FanCast, the former Spurs boss said De Zerbi may have found his new Welbeck at Tottenham, claiming Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson could be the focal point striker they need alongside the winger signings.
Asked about the rumoured striker targets, the former Spurs manager claimed that Jackson ‘could be the answer’ in North London as the club aim to welcome another attacker.
“De Zerbi does like the big (strikers) as well. Danny Welbeck, he always seemed to stick him up there and play runners off of him. So maybe Nicolas Jackson could be the answer if he wants to come.”
That’s not to say the deal will come cheap, though. Chelsea are reportedly demanding around £65m to sell Jackson this month in what would be another hefty deal for Spurs.
The Lilywhites have already spent over £200m and adding Jackson would take their spending beyond the £250m mark. It remains to be seen whether they’re prepared to do that and hand De Zerbi his new Welbeck in the process.
