Tottenham Step Up Interest in Serie A Forward After Son Exit | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Forward Hunt Intensifies After Son Departure Confirmed

Leao, Rodrygo and Grealish on Spurs’ Attacking Wishlist

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing forward in their attempts to reinforce the forward line, as Thomas Frank prepares for life without Heung-Min Son and deals with a damaging injury to James Maddison. Give Me Sport report that “One player who has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is Milan star Leao, and GMS sources understand that there is a genuine interest in the Portugal international, which has been registered with the Serie A club.”

Son’s departure to LAFC has left a leadership vacuum in the dressing room and a creative hole on the pitch. Combine that with Maddison’s suspected serious knee injury in pre-season, and the urgency to recruit is clear. Frank has a reputation for building sides with balance, intensity and cohesion. Spurs are now working to provide him with the attacking depth he requires.

Rafael Leao remains a top target, but as GMS note, the “deal [is] likely to be too expensive currently.” With Milan under no pressure to sell and Leao’s stock rising, Spurs are understandably exploring more financially viable options.

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Rodrygo and Grealish Considered as Viable Alternatives

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been flagged as a possible signing. The Brazilian international fits the brief: young, tactically flexible and capable of scoring and creating. However, Give Me Sport caution that “it remains to be seen if they firm up their interest in him,” as the discussions have not yet reached an advanced stage.

Another name on the shortlist is Jack Grealish, who could be allowed to leave Manchester City after slipping down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. GMS report: “£300,000-a-week wages could complicate deal,” and as such, progress has stalled. Grealish would bring Premier League experience and technical flair, but financial compromises would need to be made by all parties for a move to be realistic.

Thomas Frank is believed to be involved closely in discussions. While he has not spoken publicly about specific targets, sources suggest he is keen to add two forward players before the window shuts.

Tel Secured as Garnacho Monitored from Distance

Spurs have already completed the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, a move that highlights their commitment to blending youth and potential. Yet with Son gone and Maddison sidelined, the attacking burden is heavier than ever.

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Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is another player being monitored. No formal bid has been made, but the Argentine is admired for his explosive style and fearlessness. At 20, he fits the club’s transfer strategy, though a deal would require movement from United and clarity over the player’s role.

GMS sources understand that they want to progress this week in their search for new attacking talent, and the clock is ticking.

Frank’s First Window at Spurs Hangs in the Balance

This is not just about numbers. It is about reshaping the squad in Thomas Frank’s image. Son was more than a player for Spurs, he was a symbol of consistency, humility and brilliance. Maddison, a creative heartbeat, was set to be pivotal. Now both are absent, and it is up to the recruitment team to respond.

Frank’s early weeks have been positive, but this final phase of the window will define how equipped Tottenham are to compete. Whether it is Leao’s dynamism, Rodrygo’s precision or Grealish’s guile, Spurs must deliver quality and adaptability. The manager will demand nothing less.

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For Tottenham fans, the start of the Thomas Frank era brings hope, but also questions. Losing Son just before the season begins is a gut-punch, and Maddison’s injury only deepens the concern. Fans are right to expect aggressive movement in the transfer market now.

Leao would be the dream. He is fast, fearless and delivers on the biggest stages. But Spurs rarely go all-in on £80m-plus targets. Rodrygo might be more realistic, and his Champions League experience could be invaluable. Grealish would be the most Premier League-ready, but his wages are a major hurdle.

The club must show clarity and ambition. Frank is a smart coach, but he needs the tools. Tel’s signing is promising, but Spurs need at least one more top-level attacker. If that means waiting until deadline day to strike, so be it. But a failure to act decisively could leave the new manager exposed.

Supporters will be watching closely. There is cautious optimism around Frank’s ideas, but trust in the board depends on this window ending with statements of intent, not excuses.