EPL Index
·31 August 2026
Tottenham Hotspur target move for Serie A attacker

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·31 August 2026

Tottenham’s late-window planning has shifted quickly after missing out on Cody Gakpo, and attention is now turning towards a fresh group of attacking targets. According to TeamTalk, Spurs have made enquiries over AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic as they push to strengthen before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
The situation appears to have developed after Tottenham were ready to commit more than £70 million to a deal for Gakpo, only for the player to favour Manchester City if Liverpool agree to a sale. That change has forced Spurs into a rapid reassessment, with several names now under active consideration.
Pulisic is among the most eye-catching options. The 27-year-old brings proven top-level pedigree, Premier League experience from his Chelsea spell, and the sort of positional flexibility that many clubs value late in a market. He can operate from either flank, play centrally when required, and has built a productive record in Italy, contributing 55 goals and assists across 100 Serie A appearances for Milan.
There is context around his current standing at Milan. While he has started the new season on the bench, that is not being viewed as a clear sign the Italian club are ready to part ways. The understanding is that his recent management has been influenced by fitness considerations after a leg microfracture suffered at the World Cup. Milan are also close to adding Omari Hutchinson on loan from Nottingham Forest, which would increase competition in attacking areas, but that alone does not automatically place Pulisic on the market.

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Even so, Tottenham are one of a number of clubs checking on his availability. If Spurs decide to move from enquiry to negotiation, the cost would likely be significant. That said, the club’s willingness to spend beyond £70 million on Gakpo indicates the budget for a major attacking addition is there if the right profile becomes attainable.
Pulisic is not the only name under review. Tottenham have also asked about Lyon’s Malick Fofana, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Lille’s Matheus Fernandez-Pardo. Each fits a slightly different age and development curve, giving Spurs a blend of immediate and longer-term possibilities as they work through the shortlist.
There is competition across that group. Hull City and Sunderland have both held talks over Fofana, Hull are also pursuing Bahoya, and Newcastle United are understood to be pressing hard for Fernandez-Pardo. Arsenal and Liverpool have also checked on the Lille attacker, underlining how crowded this section of the market has become.
For Tottenham, the priority now is clear. Roberto De Zerbi wants added thrust in the final third, and the recruitment team are moving through multiple scenarios after Gakpo’s decision redirected their plans. Pulisic may offer the most immediate certainty, while the younger alternatives carry intrigue and upside. Either way, Spurs have work to do, and fast.
From a Spurs perspective, this feels like one of those moments where the club must turn frustration into opportunity. Missing out on Gakpo hurts, especially if the money was in place and the intention was genuine, but there is still enough quality on this list to improve the squad before the deadline.
Pulisic stands out because he looks like the most reliable answer right now. He knows English football, he has played at a high level for years, and he would instantly give Tottenham more variety across the front line. If De Zerbi wants someone who can contribute early rather than needing months of adjustment, he makes plenty of sense.
At the same time, there is excitement in names like Fofana and Fernandez-Pardo. Supporters always want a player who can become the next big thing, and Spurs should be brave enough to chase upside as well as proven output. The balance is the key.
The hopeful view is that this is not a panic reaction, it is a sign Tottenham had parallel plans in place and are acting decisively. If they land one forward with experience and one younger talent with real ceiling, fans could look back on this week far more positively than they felt when the Gakpo news first broke.







































