Tottenham’s early-season problems have already forced attention towards the next transfer window, and the clearest area under review appears to be centre-forward. After a summer of major spending and significant squad turnover, Spurs are still searching for a reliable attacking focal point, with TeamTalk reporting that Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez has become a leading target ahead of January.

The backdrop to this is hard to ignore. Roberto De Zerbi oversaw a remarkable escape last season and then reshaped the squad aggressively in the market. Tottenham invested heavily, particularly in midfield and attack, with a clear intention to modernise the team and give the head coach profiles better suited to his approach. Yet the opening weeks of the campaign have raised fresh doubts. Results have been poor, goals have been scarce and confidence looks fragile.

Against that context, Tottenham’s interest in Roberto Fernandez makes obvious sense. The Espanyol forward has started the season impressively in La Liga, scoring six goals in seven appearances and earning recognition with Spain. Spurs are understood to be pushing harder than rival clubs, with internal belief growing that he has the attributes to adapt well to English football.

Recruitment staff have followed him closely and the attraction is easy to understand. Fernandez brings penalty-box sharpness, energy and a more natural striker’s instinct, qualities Tottenham have lacked during this difficult opening spell. In a side currently struggling to turn possession and territory into goals, that profile carries real appeal.

This developing interest also says plenty about where Tottenham stand with their current options. Richarlison appears outside the immediate plans after a failed summer exit, while Dominic Solanke has endured a difficult period marked by inconsistent form and fitness concerns. That leaves De Zerbi with a problem in one of the most important positions in his system.

Marmoush was expected to help solve it. Tottenham brought him in with the idea that he could operate through the middle, offering speed, movement and a direct threat behind defences. On paper, it was a logical fit. In practice, the return has not matched the design so far, with the Egyptian yet to score in his first five appearances.

If Tottenham do advance for Roberto Fernandez, it would amount to an early reassessment of that plan. Marmoush’s qualities remain useful, particularly from wider areas or in a more flexible attacking role, but a move for another central striker would strongly suggest the coaching staff want a different type of reference point at the top of the pitch.

That does not necessarily make Marmoush a failed signing. It may simply reflect the reality of a team in distress, one that cannot afford to wait too long for solutions. Tottenham need goals quickly, and clubs in that position often become pragmatic. Systems and long-term ideas still matter, but immediate output matters more when the table is already telling an uncomfortable story.