Tottenham enjoyed an unprecedented summer transfer window but Roberto De Zerbi's side can still secure a top strikeron a free
Tottenham splashed out £344million on new recruits during the summer transfer window. But Roberto De Zerbi might not be done yet, with his strike force still somewhat thin.
A whopping 54 transfers were completed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of a monumental squad overhaul. Back-to-back 17th-place finishes forced the club's board into drastic action.
Manager De Zerbi was backed heavily with the big-money arrivals of Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Savio. Other new additions, such as Jan Paul van Hecke and Omar Marmoush, have completely changed the first team's dynamic.
However, an out-and-out No. 9 was not secured and with Richarlison nearing an exit, only Dominic Solanke and Marmoush - who can also operate deeper and out wide - are available in this position.
One errant injury or suspension could leave them in a predicament, so Spurs might look to the free-agent market to secure a worthy backup, with the window now shut. football.london takes a look at some viable options, including a former Ballon d'Or winner.
Karim Benzema
The most star-studded name available to Tottenham is Karim Benzema. The French striker, renowned for his years with Real Madrid, where he scored 354 goals and won five Champions League titles, is currently without a club.
After winning the Ballon d'Or for his contribution to Los Blancos' successes in 2022, Benzema headed to Saudi Arabia in 2023 and joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad in a coup for the free-spending competition.
Benzema helped his side to a domestic double in the 2024/25 campaign but joined Al-Hilal in February following a contractual dispute. In August, his deal there was terminated by mutual consent.
At 38, he is far past his prime and has spent just over three years in the Middle East. His wages would be astronomical and he doesn't exactly suit Tottenham's high-pressing, energetic No. 9 requirements. However, there is no other free-agent striker who boasts over 500 career goals and if a statement is what Tottenham want to make, securing Benzema would do just that.
Mauro Icardi
Another seasoned marksman, Mauro Icardi, last played for Galatasaray, where he finished as the Super Lig's top scorer in 2024 and won the league title twice. But he is now unemployed.
At his pomp, Icardi was Inter Milan's deadliest finisher, winning two Serie A top-goalscorer awards and earning himself a blockbuster switch to Paris Saint-Germain. Yet in the years since this move, injuries have taken their toll, as have off-field issues.
His current legal battles with ex-wife and former agent Wanda Nara have drawn endless attention and recent proceedings over unpaid rent and damage to a property in Istanbul add fuel to the fire. Icardi is no doubt a risky signing, but aside from his stint with PSG he has always had an eye for goal.
Andrea Belotti
Andrea Belotti was a member of Italy's Euro 2020-winning side and once had an £85m release clause during his time with Torino. The 32-year-old was linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United, having scored 113 goals in 251 games for the Turin-based side.
But he opted to stay in his homeland, then moved to Roma in 2022 and failed to replicate his exploits. A loan spell with Fiorentina in 2024 couldn't revive his career and he's since spent time with Como, Benfica on loan and Cagliari.
Yet he is only 32 and playing under a compatriot in De Zerbi in the Premier League could reinvigorate the striker, so he may be a name Spurs look at should they opt to sign a forward.
Anthony Martial
Former Manchester United star Anthony Martial's time in English football did not go to plan. When he arrived from Monaco, he did so filled with potential. Yet he could only muster 63 Premier League goals across nine years at Old Trafford.
Since leaving United permanently in 2024, he has played for AEK Athens in Greece and Mexican side Monterrey, where his contract was terminated by mutual consent in July following some behavioural issues.
But the Frenchman still arguably has some good years ahead of him at 30 and is used to English football. His extensive injury record and lack of work rate could put Tottenham off, though.
Cedric Bakambu
The final option for Tottenham might be ex-Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu. For those unfamiliar with the DR Congo international, he burst onto the scene in Europe after scoring 47 goals in 105 games for Villarreal from 2015 to 2018 before making a move to China.
After bagging 58 goals in 87 matches for Beijing Guoan, he returned to play for the likes of Marseille, Olympiacos, Galatasaray and Real Betis, whom he helped reach the Conference League final in 2025.
Bakambu is arguably the best fit on this list for how Spurs play, as at Betis, manager Manuel Pellegrini used him as a high-energy pressing option off the bench. He is 35, however.