Tottenham Hotspur remain in the race for one of the Bundesliga's most highly-rated forwards, Igor Matanovic, despite the arrival of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City.
Marmoush joined Spurs on an initial loan with a £60 million obligation to buy, and Roberto De Zerbi has finally landed a much-needed striker. A dismal 3-0 defeat to Brentford in their season opener made it clear problems remain despite a record-breaking summer of transfer business.
The Lilywhites have also bolstered their options out wide as Savinho joined the club for £85 million days before Marmoush and even got on the scoresheet in a 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Wednesday. Even with two new attackers arriving in North London, it seems De Zerbi wants more firepower.
Tottenham Remain in Matanovic Race
Tottenham have been linked with Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic throughout the summer, and they are still noted as a potential destination for the Croatian. In the latest edition of the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, it claimed that Fiorentina had joined the race for the young frontman, but a move to the Serie A club is seen as 'difficult but not impossible'.
The Italians are now working on a deal to sign Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, which indicates they have pivoted. Matanovic is also on the Red Devils' radar and Michael Carrick will want a replacement before the window closes.
Marmoush's arrival at Spurs might give United the advantage as there are now three centre-forwards in De Zerbi's squad. Richarlison and Dominic Solanke's futures have been the subject of speculation, but there's been no concrete interest in the duo.
Matanovic has been one to watch in the Bundesliga, likened to Croatian legend Mario Mandzukic and scoring 11 top-flight goals last season. At six feet five inches, he is a modern target man who is a real handful for defenders, and his physicality could suit the Premier League.
Tottenham transfer targets
Igor Matanovic - Interest remains in Freiburg star
Cody Gakpo - Handed boost for Liverpool forward
Jean-Philippe Mateta - Another forward option
Rafael Leao - Hijack opportunity presented
Spurs Must Sell Richarlison or Solanke
If Spurs are to move for Matanovic, they will surely have to sell either Richarlison or Solanke. There is no chance the higher-ups will sanction a pursuit of the Croat if they are unable to offload one of De Zerbi's number nines.
Richarlison started in the defeat to Brentford last Saturday, while Solanke came off the bench. Neither did themselves any favours with their performances at the Gtech Community Stadium, and the club might ponder bringing in a more reliable frontman for one of the pair.
Moving Richarlison, 29, on has been a struggle, and the Brazilian is in the final year of his contract. He's thought to be keen on remaining in England, where he's spent the last nine years of his career.
Recurring injury problems have held Solanke, 28, back from shining in North London and he's failed to live up to expectations. With such little time left in the transfer window, the chances of selling either of them are fading.