Espanyol boss Manolo Gonzalez responds to Tottenham’s interest in Roberto Fernandez
Espanyol manager Manolo Gonzalez has responded to growing speculation linking striker Roberto Fernandez with Tottenham Hotspur, following reports that Spurs are considering a January move for the highly rated forward.
The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the exciting talents in Spanish football after making an impressive start to the LaLiga campaign. Fernandez has scored six goals in seven league appearances for Espanyol this season, attracting attention from several clubs across Europe.
His outstanding performances have also earned him a call-up to Spain’s national team under Luis de la Fuente. Fernandez featured for the full 90 minutes in Spain’s 3-1 victory over Czechia during the international break, further increasing his reputation.
Tottenham’s interest in the striker is reportedly intensifying as the north London club searches for attacking reinforcements to address their ongoing goalscoring problems under Roberto De Zerbi.
Reports on October 7 indicated that Spurs had stepped up their efforts to assess Fernandez, with the club’s recruitment department tasked with identifying a new striker ahead of the January transfer window.
Although several German clubs are also believed to be monitoring the forward, Tottenham have been keeping a particularly close eye on his development.
Interestingly, Fernandez reportedly attracted Spurs’ attention last season, despite scoring only seven goals for the Spanish side. His remarkable improvement this campaign has now prompted the Premier League club to consider taking their interest further.
However, securing his signature may not be straightforward. Espanyol’s sporting director, Monchi, is expected to play a central role in any potential transfer negotiations.
Monchi joined the club during the summer as part of a wider strategy to strengthen Espanyol’s position in LaLiga under owner Alan Pace. Losing one of their most influential attacking players would represent a significant setback for those ambitions.
Espanyol manager breaks silence on Fernandez’s future
Despite the increasing speculation surrounding Tottenham’s interest, Gonzalez insists he is not allowing the transfer rumours to distract him from his team’s immediate objectives.
Speaking to Sport, the Espanyol manager explained that Fernandez understands the benefits of remaining at the club, particularly regarding regular playing time and his international ambitions.
Gonzalez acknowledged that the situation could change if another club activates the striker’s reported €30 million release clause and the player decides to leave.
In that scenario, Espanyol would have to explore the transfer market for a replacement.
Nevertheless, the manager believes Fernandez and those close to him are currently happy at the club.
He also recognises that the young striker’s impressive goalscoring form could attract further opportunities in the transfer market, but insists that the possibility of losing him is not keeping him awake at night.
For now, Gonzalez’s priority is ensuring Fernandez continues delivering goals for Espanyol rather than worrying about potential offers from Tottenham or other interested clubs.
With the January transfer window approaching, Spurs’ reported interest could develop into a serious pursuit if the striker maintains his outstanding form.
