Tottenham Hotspur need attacking reinforcements this summer.
Spurs scored just 48 goals in the Premier League last season, labouring to a 17th-placed finish. Richarlison finished as the club’s top scorer on 11 goals, with Joao Palhinha the only other to net at least five.
Saying that, Tottenham’s flirting with relegation has kicked them into gear and then some this summer. They’ve already splashed the cash to bolster their defence and midfield, with focus now shifting to the final third.
Tottenham are being linked with Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, who is believed to be high on Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking wishlist. Savinho is another player Tottenham remain interested in. The Brazilian has been on the club’s radar for the best part of 12 months.
After failing to sign the Brazilian last season — and again in January — Tottenham will be hoping it’s third time lucky. Even then, it’s proving to be a drawn-out affair. Manchester City are reportedly unwilling to agree a deal until a replacement arrives. And with time ticking on the transfer window, it could well be a deal that runs until deadline day.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Tottenham in for Nusa?
That is, of course, unless Tottenham are proactive in the market. Yes, Savinho is a top target but Man City are digging their heels in, still stung by the failed Harry Kane pursuit in 2021. With no fit wide specialist option, Tottenham can ill-afford to dawdle in the current market.
It’s why rumours of a move for Antonio Nusa as an alternative shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Tottenham have previously been credited with interest in Nusa, heavily linked with a move for the winger in January 2024. Ultimately, a move failed to come to fruition with Spurs cautious about the signing due to medical concerns. Given their previous with surrounding injuries, that was hard a surprise.
North London side need directness down the flanks
Even so, the fears failed to come to pass. Nusa moved to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2024 and made 25 appearances in his debut Bundesliga campaign. The 21-year-old managed 31 last season, tearing teams apart with Real Madrid-bound Yan Diomande.
Indeed, Diomande (118) completed more dribbles than any other player in the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. Nusa ranked second with 68. By comparison, Mohammed Kudus (52) topped this metric for Tottenham, having not played since January. Mathys Tel (39) placed second.
Djed Spence (33), Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons (both 28) and Wilson Odobert (24) rounded off the top six. One of those may not be at the club for the coming campaign, while another has left. The latter pair are long-term absentees with respective ACL injuries. Tottenham need directness down the flanks.
Savinho and Nusa compared
This goes some way to explaining why Tottenham are hellbent on a left winger to compliment Kudus on the opposite flank. But just who would be the better option?
Both Savinho and Nusa endured testing seasons in front of goal last season. The former scored one and assisted another, though a lack of regular action meant he was unable to build up any rhythm. Even so, the 22-year-old managed one goal and eight assists having featured far more frequently in his debut campaign.
By comparison, Nusa managed four goals and three assists in the Bundesliga last season. That was a slight increase in his three goals and three assists in 2024/25. Crucially, though, Nusa ranked better for the key winger metrics. The RB Leipzig man ranked better for chances created per 90 minutes (1.5 to 1), take-ons completed per 90 (3.1 to 1.9) and take-on success rate (52.71% to 32.08%).
Savinho (4.4) attempted more crosses per 90 than Nusa (2.9). However, the latter returned a better cross accuracy (20.31%) than the former (17.5%). The ex-Club Brugge man also ranked higher for ground duels contested per 90 (12.3 to 10.7) and ground duel success rate (57.25% to 42.27%) than the Man City star.
Whether RB Leipzig would be prepared to lose both first-choice wingers in the same window remains to be seen. Conversely, the German side will be aware that Nusa’s stock is incredibly high after a solid World Cup. They can command a hefty fee for the youngster. Spurs also have an established relationship with Leipzig following their capture of Simons last summer.
Nusa the better option?
And while Savinho has the Premier League experience, Nusa is arguably the better option for what Tottenham ultimately need.
Either way, Spurs need strengthening out wide. With the season a little over two weeks away, they sooner they bring in a new winger, the better. Otherwise, Tottenham could be in for a rocky start to the season.