Published Aug 7, 2026, 7:20 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

More than £200 million has gone into the rebuild, with Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson among the major additions.

The next priority is attack.

Spurs have explored several ambitious options, including Cody Gakpo, Victor Osimhen and Savinho, as De Zerbi looks for greater variety around Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Solanke remains the most natural focal point in the squad, while De Zerbi has publicly spoken warmly about Richarlison and indicated that he wants the Brazilian to stay.

That does not remove the need for another forward.

Tottenham struggled badly during a miserable Premier League campaign last season. Their attack too often lacked speed, invention and reliable availability, leaving the new head coach determined to increase both quality and competition.

Georges Mikautadze could be a fantastic option.

Ajax signed Mikautadze from Metz in 2023, but he failed to score in nine appearances and returned to France after only half a season, yet that setback didn't define his career.

Mikautadze scored 13 Ligue 1 goals in 20 appearances after rejoining Metz on loan, including 11 across his final 12 league matches, with his ex-boss Laszlo Bolini calling him a 'deadly striker'.

He then shared the Euro 2024 Golden Boot after scoring three times for Georgia, helping his country reach the knockout stage during their first appearance at a major tournament.

Lyon brought their former academy player home after the competition, and he scored 17 times in 47 appearances across all competitions during 2024/25.

Villarreal then paid a reported club record fee which could rise to £31 million last summer, and Mikautadze responded with 13 goals and six assists from 32 La Liga appearances, finishing as Villarreal's leading league scorer and winning the division's Player of the Month award for February.

That form has now caught Tottenham's attention.

Tottenham eyeing Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze

Spurs insider Paul O'Keefe reports that Mikautadze is among the attacking names attracting interest as the club consider attacking additions before the transfer window closes.

The wording suggests he is part of a wider shortlist rather than the subject of advanced negotiations, and Villarreal would also be difficult to convince.

Mikautadze only joined the Spanish club in September and signed a contract running until 2031. After an excellent debut season, they would expect to make a substantial profit before even considering a sale.

For Tottenham, his versatility is also the attraction alongside his renaissance.

The 25-year-old can lead the line, operate from the left or play alongside a more physical striker, so he wouldn't simply clone Solanke or Richarlison.

His pressing and intelligent movement should also suit the demands of De Zerbi's system.

Interest is still at an early stage, but Mikautadze's name fits Tottenham's search for a mobile, technically sound forward capable of giving De Zerbi another brilliant option.