Frank’s new Toney: Paratici spearheading Tottenham move for “one of the top strikers”
Tottenham Hotspur fans have long been spoiled by prolific forwards like Harry Kane, but the current squad lacks a similar figure in attack.
Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani have recently shared striking duties, yet neither has scored since mid-September. Remarkably, centre-back Micky van de Ven stands as Spurs’ joint top scorer in the Premier League this season, underlining the shortage of attacking firepower available to Thomas Frank.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, the manager has a chance to bring in a new talisman to bolster his side’s ambitions. Several names have surfaced on Tottenham’s shortlist, with returning Sporting Director Fabio Paratici expected to play a key role in any incoming deals.
In recent days, Spurs have been linked with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances this season. However, any potential move would be costly, with his release clause set at £87m. Another target is Juventus forward Dušan Vlahović, as Paratici is reportedly using his strong connections with the Italian club to negotiate a possible deal.
According to Gazzetta, Tottenham are among the clubs monitoring the Serbian striker, who could be available at a reduced price with his contract expiring in 2026. Bayern Munich are also interested, but Spurs may have an advantage thanks to Paratici’s ties to Juventus.
Such a signing would give Frank the kind of clinical forward he once had at Brentford in Ivan Toney. During Frank’s seven-year spell with the Bees, Toney scored 72 goals in 141 games, proving vital in key moments and becoming the club’s top scorer in the Premier League era.
Given Tottenham’s current struggles up front, Frank will no doubt want a player of similar influence. A summer move for Toney failed to materialise, with Spurs instead opting for Dominic Solanke, while Toney headed to Saudi Arabia. Now, Vlahović could become the Dane’s next version of the English striker.
The 25-year-old has netted 62 goals in 152 appearances for Juventus and remains one of Serie A’s most efficient finishers. Despite limited starts this season, he has already scored twice in three league games, maintaining impressive numbers across the board.
Dušan Vlahović – Juventus 2025/26 Stats (per 90 minutes)
Games played: 14
Goals: 6
Shots on target: 1.1
Shot accuracy: 38%
Aerials won: 2.5
Goals per 90: 0.65
Touches in opposition box: 6.7
Fouls won: 1.4
(Stats via FotMob)
Vlahović ranks in the 88th percentile in Italy for goals per 90 minutes, showing his effectiveness as a consistent scorer and physical target man. His blend of accuracy, aerial strength, and positioning could finally provide Frank with the focal point he has been missing.
Luca Toni has previously described Vlahović as “one of the best strikers,” and a move to North London could reignite his career while solving Tottenham’s long-standing striker dilemma. If the Serbian can replicate the impact Toney had under Frank at Brentford, Spurs could be set for a major step forward in their pursuit of silverware.
