Footballfancast iconFootballfancastSep 10, 2026 ~4 min source read

De Zerbi pushes Tottenham to scout Nicolo Tresoldi as search for a specialist striker continues

After a big spending window and a goalless start to the season, Tottenham sent scouts to watch Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi as Roberto De Zerbi seeks a more natural centre-forward.

De Zerbi driving Tottenham pursuit of 'coveted' striker with Spurs officials sent to club

Share this story

Send the public story page.

Useful takeaways from this story.

Tottenham spent over £300m in the summer but still have doubts about a consistent number nine option.

Scouts attended Club Brugge v Aston Villa to watch 22-year-old striker Nicolo Tresoldi, with De Zerbi reported as the driving force behind the interest.

# Why Spurs are still hunting a centre forward Tottenham spent heavily in the summer — more than £300 million — adding attacking options such as Sávio, Omar Marmoush (loan with obligation), and Mykhailo Mudryk. Despite that outlay, head coach Roberto De Zerbi appears determined to add a specialist striker who can lead the line consistently.

# Immediate trigger: a troubling start to the season

# Tresoldi scouting: what happened and why it matters Tottenham reportedly sent representatives to watch Club Brugge's Nicolo Tresoldi in the Champions League match versus Aston Villa. Tresoldi converted a penalty as Brugge came back in the second half, giving scouts a chance to see him perform on a major European night.

Sources describe this trip not as a first look but as part of an ongoing assessment. De Zerbi is said to be leading the interest, which suggests the club may pursue the player either in January or the following summer rather than immediately.

  • Recent form: He scored 23 goals in his first season in Belgium.
  • Contract situation: His deal at Brugge runs until 2029, giving the Belgian champions leverage in any negotiation.
  • Market position: Reports link Barcelona and Manchester United as other clubs who have monitored him, indicating competition for his signature.

# What this would mean for Tottenham De Zerbi has added wide and versatile attackers who can create and stretch defences. The remaining question is a clear number nine who can handle the weekly goalscoring burden. Tresoldi's profile — young, productive in Belgium, experienced on the international U21 stage — fits the brief for a forward who could be developed into that role.

# Likely timeline and hurdles This scouting visit reads as preparation for a move outside the immediate transfer window. Expect Tottenham to continue monitoring Tresoldi, with an approach more plausible in January or next summer. Financial competition and Brugge's position should be the main obstacles: a club with a long contract has no reason to accept low offers, and multiple suitors will push any fee upward.

# Bottom line Roberto De Zerbi wants a clearer centre-forward option despite a busy summer. Tottenham have begun concrete scouting work on Nicolo Tresoldi, a 22-year-old forward with strong recent numbers and other top clubs interested. Any transfer would likely be expensive and competitive, and may be pursued when the market reopens.

More context around this story.

Loading more related stories...

Keep reading in the app

Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.

Open in app