Tottenham are reportedly ready to renew their pursuit of a physical Bundesliga forward as Roberto De Zerbi seeks a new attacking option for the January window.
Spurs have had a dismal start to the season, failing to win or score in their first four Premier League games despite a summer outlay exceeding £300 million. That form leaves them 17th, with Saturday’s scoreless draw against Everton — their second straight stalemate — deepening concerns. The poor run is especially alarming given the club barely avoided relegation last season and responded by spending big, mostly on defense and midfield; attacking additions like Savio, Marmoush and Mudryk came late and have yet to click. Mudryk’s ankle injury will sideline him for weeks, and with Richarlison also left out of the league squad, De Zerbi is short on recognized center-forward options — making a new striker a likely January priority.
German reports say Tottenham are stepping up interest in Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic, a target they’d already considered late last summer. The 23-year-old Croatian has been in excellent form — six goals and two assists in six matches — drawing interest from both Spurs and Manchester United, according to FussballNews. At 6ft 4in, he offers the kind of physical, target-man presence Tottenham currently lack, joining Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2025 for around €7m and earning a place in Croatia’s World Cup squad.
Unlike Solanke’s mobility or Marmoush’s pace, Matanovic would give De Zerbi a stronger aerial and physical option in the box — useful against deep-sitting defenses and as an alternative to quick combination play. Manchester United’s interest complicates things, however, with reports suggesting they see him as a potential rival to Benjamin Sesko for their striking role.
Freiburg, under no pressure to sell, are said to be seeking €35-40m (roughly £30-34m) — well above his estimated €22m market value — reflecting his form and contract situation. No formal bid has been made yet, and Tottenham are expected to keep monitoring him through the first half of the season, though continued goalscoring could drive his price even higher amid growing competition.
Spurs’ scoring troubles have made clear that De Zerbi needs a forward who can hold up play, win aerial duels and finish chances — qualities Matanovic could bring. Separately, Portuguese reports suggest Tottenham are also chasing another striker who’s drawn interest from Sunderland, hinting the club may be lining up multiple targets rather than banking on one name.
