Tottenham now look to have identified a new striker target in Younes Ebnoutalib as they contemplate strengthening at the top end of the pitch in the January transfer window. Spurs finally have some wind in their sails after three straight wins, now beginning to put their nightmare start to the season in the rear-view mirror.
Roberto De Zerbi is finally seeing some results after a summer of record spending that was always going to apply intense pressure in the case of poor results. But while the three wins are undoubtedly a huge boost for struggling Spurs, the overall results this season have not been good enough, and so more consistent form is going to be required.
Tottenham spent more than £300million during the summer window, but it's not out of the question that we see further investment from the North London side if they believe a signing can propel them to the European spots. One position where they could perhaps do with more competition, and where they will likely see an exit in Richarlison, is the striker position.
According to Sky Deutchland, Tottenham and Juventus are currently the most likely side to sign Ebnoutalib, who has been impressing for Eintracht Frankfurt. Ebnoutalib has eight goals and two assists in 10 games across all competitions, and he is still only 23 years of age. He also scored 12 in 17 league appearances for Elversburg last season before joining Frankfurt and scoring once in five there after making the jump up to the top tier during the season.
“I saw his first game of the season for Eintracht and said to myself, ‘What a player! Where did they find him?’ There was no discussion among the coaching staff. We all immediately agreed: ‘Yes, we have to include him." - Jurgen Klopp on Ebnoutalib
The report claims Spurs and Juve are the most prominent of the interested clubs so far, currently leading the race. Tottenham are said to have reached out to express their interest, but it is unclear whether they will make a move in January or the summer at this stage.
As things stand, the strikeris under contract until 2031, and he is said to have been in talks over improved terms, but those conversations were paused because Frankfurt had a change of sporting directors. They could be resumed in the coming weeks and months.
That would suggest that the time to strike will be during the January window, before any new deal can be agreed.
Spurs currently have Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke as their striker options, with Richarlison having been exiled. Ebnoutalib could be an option to strengthen those options, and it's likely he would only cost somewhere between £20million and £30million, with Frankfurt having only paid around £6million for him last January.