Tottenham target Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez as Chelsea and Brighton join race

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez, with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also interested. The 24-year-old has scored six goals in seven La Liga appearances this season and is valued at around £17m by Transfermarkt.

  • Player: Roberto Fernandez, 24, right-footed striker, 6ft 1in tall
  • Current club: Espanyol, contract runs until 2031
  • Interested clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Valuation: Around £17m according to Transfermarkt
  • Season form: Six goals in seven La Liga appearances
  • International: Called up to Spain squad for September/October fixtures

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are considering reinforcing their frontline next year after a dire start to the season. They have identified Fernandez as a serious option after being impressed by his recent promising displays. However, the North London club will have to overcome stiff competition to finalise the operation as Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion are also in this race.

Fernandez moved to RCDE Stadium from Primeira Liga side Sporting Braga on loan in January 2025 before the deal became permanent the following summer. His existing deal with Espanyol is set to run until 2031, meaning the Catalan side are under no pressure to sell next year. However, if Spurs launch a lucrative proposal, Espanyol might let him leave, with the forward valued at around £17m by Transfermarkt.

The report states Tottenham decided to reinforce the frontline by purchasing Omar Marmoush this summer, but he has had a difficult start. Roberto De Zerbi currently has Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as striker options. However, the Italian boss has made it clear that Richarlison will not be playing this season, while Solanke has displayed inconsistent performances since joining from AFC Bournemouth.

Why Tottenham are looking at Fernandez

Roberto Fernandez is a 6ft 1in tall right-footed striker. He is quick, strong, good in the air, can hold up the play, and is efficient in finishing off his chances. Moreover, he works hard without possession. Those attributes make him a natural fit for the Premier League and for what Roberto De Zerbi wants from his centre-forward.

Tottenham’s current options are stretched. Omar Marmoush arrived in the summer but has had a difficult start. Dominic Solanke has been inconsistent since joining from AFC Bournemouth, and De Zerbi has confirmed that Richarlison won’t play this season. That leaves the manager short of a reliable, physical presence through the middle. Fernandez, who has taken his game to another level this season with six goals in seven La Liga appearances, would offer exactly that. He hasn’t reached his prime yet, so he might be a shrewd acquisition should Tottenham purchase him.

However, Spurs are not alone. Chelsea have a well-documented need for a striker, and Brighton have a track record of signing young, high-potential forwards from smaller leagues. Both clubs can offer competitive projects and the lure of Premier League football. If Tottenham want to win this race, they will likely need to move quickly and decisively, either in January or next summer.

Talking points

  • Is £17m a fair valuation for a 24-year-old with six goals in seven La Liga games and a Spain call-up? Or will Espanyol demand far more given his contract runs to 2031?
  • Tottenham already signed Omar Marmoush this summer. Should they be spending again on another striker, or is the problem deeper in midfield and defence?
  • Would Fernandez actually start ahead of Solanke? De Zerbi’s system demands relentless pressing, and Fernandez’s work off the ball is a major selling point.
  • If Chelsea or Brighton hijack the deal, would that be a bigger failure for Tottenham’s recruitment team than missing out on a primary target?

What happens next

Espanyol are under no pressure to sell given Fernandez’s contract until 2031. Tottenham’s next move is whether to make a concrete approach in January or wait until next summer. The decision could define their season. If they wait, Chelsea or Brighton may act first. If they bid now, they must convince Espanyol to part with their in-form forward mid-season — a difficult task. The coming weeks will reveal how serious Spurs are.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Roberto Fernandez?

Roberto Fernandez is a 24-year-old Spanish striker who plays for Espanyol. He is 6ft 1in tall, right-footed, and has scored six goals in seven La Liga appearances this season.

How much would Tottenham have to pay for Roberto Fernandez?

Fernandez is valued at around £17m by Transfermarkt, according to the report. However, Espanyol are under no pressure to sell due to his contract running until 2031.

Which other clubs want to sign Roberto Fernandez?

Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion are also in the race alongside Tottenham, according to TEAMtalk.

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