Tottenham have splashed a staggering £344 million on new recruits during the summer transfer window.
However, head coach Roberto De Zerbi may not be finished shaping his squad just yet. The attacking line of the Spurs still appears under-resourced.
This summer, the club executed a remarkable 54 transfers in and out as part of a major overhaul. Two consecutive finishes at 17th place forced the hierarchy to take radical measures.
De Zerbi has received significant backing with expensive new additions like Mateusz Fernandez, Sandro Tonali, and Savinho. Other signings, including Jan Paul van Hecke and Omar Marmoush, have completely transformed the first-team dynamics.
Yet, a classic number nine has eluded them. With Richarlison on the brink of departure, the Italian tactician is left with only Dominic Solanke and Marmoush, who can also operate in a deeper role or on the wing.
One injury or suspension could leave the Londoners in a precarious situation. According to Football London, Tottenham might turn their attention to the free-agent market.
Here are five potential options for the North London club:
Karim Benzema
The most illustrious name on this list. The 38-year-old French striker, who has netted an astonishing 354 goals and won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, now finds himself without a club.
The Ballon d'Or winner of 2022 moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, joining Al-Ittihad. He helped the team secure a historic double in the 2024/2025 season, before moving to Al-Hilal in February. His contract was mutually terminated in August.
Benzema's wages would be astronomical, and he might not fully fit De Zerbi's high-energy pressing style. However, if Tottenham want to make a bold statement, signing the Frenchman would certainly do the trick.
Mauro Icardi
The seasoned striker last played for Galatasaray, where he topped the Super Lig scoring charts in 2024 and clinched the championship twice. He is currently a free agent.
In his prime, Icardi was the deadliest forward at Inter Milan before making a high-profile switch to PSG. His career has been marred by injuries and off-field issues since then.
Legal disputes with his ex-wife and agent Wanda Nara, along with recent complications regarding unpaid rent in Istanbul, make him a risky signing. Nonetheless, his goal-scoring instinct remains intact.
Andrea Belotti
A Euro 2020 winner with Italy, he once had a release clause of £85 million at Torino. The 32-year-old forward scored 113 goals for the Turin side.
He moved to Roma in 2022 but has struggled to replicate his earlier glories. Loan spells with Fiorentina, Como, Benfica, and Cagliari have not revived his career.
Still, Belotti is only 32 and working under compatriot De Zerbi in the Premier League could rejuvenate his form.
Anthony Martial
The former Manchester United star’s time in English football hasn’t quite gone to plan. He arrived from Monaco as a huge talent, but over nine years at Old Trafford, he managed just 63 league goals.
After finally departing United in 2024, he played for Greek side AEK and Mexican club Monterrey. His contract with the latter was terminated in July due to disciplinary issues.
At 30 years old, the Frenchman still has the potential to perform at a high level and is well acquainted with the local game. However, his injury history and poor work rate could deter the Londoners.
Cedric Bakambu
An ideal fit for the current Spurs style. The 35-year-old DR Congo international shone in Villarreal, later playing in China for Beijing Guoan before returning to Europe.
He has featured for Marseille, Olympiacos, Galatasaray, and Real Betis, helping the latter reach the Conference League final in 2025.
At Betis, Manuel Pellegrini used Bakambu as a high-intensity option off the bench, making him a perfect candidate for De Zerbi’s system.
