Updated: 24 Apr 2026 21:20 BST |
7 min read
Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a €30 million bid for Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi, who is hitting form at the perfect time.
The Germany youth international is in the midst of an impressive debut campaign in Belgium. Tresoldi joined Club Brugge from Hannover 96 for a sizeable €7.5m last summer, following back-to-back 2. Bundesliga seasons in which he scored seven goals as a youngster.
Given that he came through the youth ranks of Hannover rather than an elite Bundesliga club, he went somewhat under the radar for much of his time in Germany. This initially remained the case after he left the country.
The lack of attention was perhaps justified. He struggled to make his mark early on at Brugge, going his first six Jupiler Pro League games without scoring. However, he exploded on the biggest stage.
He scored in a shock 4-1 beatdown of Monaco in the Champions League and later put in a hugely impressive performance, crowned with a goal, against Barcelona. He also netted against Atletico Madrid in February.
Tresoldi now hitting form at the right time
After scoring just six goals in his first 23 league outings for Brugge, Tresoldi hit a rich vein of form ahead of the split of the Belgian league into a championship and relegation group.
He scored seven goals in seven games in February and March and also netted a brace for Germany’s U21s against Northern Ireland. He bagged his first goal of the championship playoffs at the weekend against Mechelen.
All told, Tresoldi has scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. These are not world-class numbers, but the 21-year-old has had spells on the bench. He has played 2,850 of the available 4,680 minutes.
It is also important to note that Tresoldi’s game is not defined solely by his goals. He is a well-rounded forward, which is why big clubs are paying close attention to his development in Belgium.
Standing at 6ft 1in, Tresoldi is not a physical specimen, but he is a very good athlete. He has great pace and excellent technical ability. He has formed a fearsome partnership with winger Christos Tzolis, who has netted 17 goals and provided 22 assists in 3,852 minutes.
The young striker’s uptick in form has come at just the right time. Speaking ahead of the last international break, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann revealed that Tresoldi could be a dark horse to make his World Cup squad.
“There are many players in the running who could still get in. That could apply to [Assan] Ouedraogo, that could apply to Lennart Karl, that could apply to Tresoldi,” Nagelsmann said.
According to Sky Germany, Tresoldi dreams of playing for the DFB team, but he has yet to receive a senior call-up. Should he continue to get snubbed, he could also elect to play for Italy and Argentina.
The 21-year-old was born in Cagliari to an Argentine mother and former Italian footballer Emanuele Tresoldi. He moved to Germany at age 13 when his mother found a job at Hannover Airport and received citizenship at 18.
He is the subject of a major tug-of-war between Argentina, Germany and Italy. Last October, he admitted that he wouldn’t be opposed to playing for the Azzurri, though the Argentine FA has also been in contact with him.
Arsenal want Tresoldi – but is he ready?
His future will be a major talking point this summer. Sky reports that Tresoldi has already decided to take the next step after just one season at Brugge. It is expected that he will cost around €30m.
Clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham have enquired about his availability, while Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing an interest. Reports in Italy claim that the Gunners are ready to put €30m on the table to sign him.
Acting fast is the sensible choice here. He has given himself a decent chance of making the World Cup roster with his recent form, and inclusion would naturally drive up his price tag and increase the competition for his signature.
Arsenal are in the market for a young forward to potentially replace Gabriel Jesus, but is Tresoldi ready to lead the line for the North London giants? Analytics firm SciSports isn’t so sure.
While the data shows that the 21-year-old has developed “significantly” over the past six months, his current ability is still believed to be some way short of the level required to play for Arsenal.
SciSports Career Advice for Nicolo Tresoldi
| Club | Club Fit | Development | Playing time | Playstyle | Formation |
| Aston Villa | 88 | ***** | *** | ***** | **** |
| Barcelona | 78 | ***** | * | ***** | ***** |
| Napoli | 78 | **** | ** | **** | **** |
| Newcastle | 78 | **** | * | **** | ***** |
| Man Utd | 78 | **** | ** | *** | ***** |
The biggest concern for Tresoldi would be game time if he were to join an elite club. This is reflected in SciSports’ Career Advice for the forward, which is created by taking various factors such as development prospects, playing style and indeed game time into account.
Stylistically, he would be a perfect fit for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but his current ability means that he would have to fight for his place. Aston Villa are believed to be his best-suited club because of their lack of striker competition.
They are followed by Barcelona. Tresoldi suits their playing style to a tee, but SciSports acknowledges that he would struggle for minutes behind Robert Lewandowski (should he extend his contract) and Ferran Torres.
It is a similar story for Napoli, Newcastle and Man Utd. Despite being a strong fit on paper, Tresoldi would likely find it difficult to get on the pitch as much as he would like. Arsenal just about make the top 15 of his best-suited clubs.
He is not ready yet to play for a team like Arsenal, but what SciSports’ data shows is that he could easily play for one of Europe’s biggest sides if he keeps developing on his current trajectory. He has all the tools, he just needs to refine them.
A move to a club where competition would not be as fierce would be ideal for him. SciSports suggests that Tresoldi should fancy his chances against Domic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha at Leeds or Serhou Guirassy and Fabio Silva at Borussia Dortmund.
It is easy to see why Arsenal are interested in the talented forward, but it would be too big a step too soon for him.
Related stories:
Arsenal step up pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres replacement
The €50m transfer decision Arsenal must make this summer
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Rogers ready to join as opening bid prepared
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
View full bio
