The final hours of the transfer window are ticking down in Monterrey, and Tigres UANL's front office is feeling the heat. After a start that has left fans restless—just nine goals in seven league matches—the club is desperate to add a reliable goal scorer. The departures of André-Pierre Gignac and Ángel Correa have left a void that Rodrigo Aguirre alone cannot fill, and head coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich has made it clear he wants real competition up front.
With the worst Liga MX start in 11 years already raising alarms, the board is exploring a mix of domestic and international options. Some are low-risk, proven in Mexican football; others are bold, high-profile moves that could change the team's trajectory. Here's a look at the five names on the table, ranked from the safest bet to the most game-changing.
The domestic route: Familiar faces, quick fixes
If Tigres want someone who can step in without a learning curve, the domestic market offers two intriguing possibilities. Emiliano Gómez, the 24-year-old Uruguayan from Club Puebla, is the closest to signing. With 70 appearances in Liga MX, 17 goals, and seven assists, he knows the league inside out. A reported $4 million fee plus variables could seal the deal, and he's already back in full training after a minor foot injury. If everything goes through, he might even feature in the Clásico Regio.
Another homegrown option is Guillermo Martínez, the Mexican international who has been warming the bench at Pumas UNAM, with just 54 minutes of action this season. Tigres have reportedly tabled a bid near $2 million, plus a multi-year contract. Martínez brings aerial dominance and a wealth of experience, making him a solid, if unspectacular, choice to bolster the central striker role.
Then there's Roberto De La Rosa, currently at Monterrey. He's a low-risk, high-effort forward who knows the domestic game well. While he hasn't locked down a starting spot anywhere, his versatility across the front line makes him an ideal rotation piece. He'd add depth without needing time to adapt, and his arrival would immediately raise the level of competition in training.
The international gamble: Big names, bigger stakes
For a club with Tigres' ambitions, the international market is where the real excitement lies. Arthur Cabral, the 28-year-old Brazilian from Botafogo, is the most high-profile target. Tigres have reportedly submitted offers exceeding $8 million. Cabral is a classic box striker—strong in the air, good at holding up play, and capable of dragging defenders out of position to create space for creative midfielders like Juan Brunetta and Ozziel Herrera. His European experience adds a layer of pedigree that could elevate the entire attack.
Finally, there's Luciano Gondou, the 25-year-old Argentine under contract with CSKA Moscow. He's a different kind of investment—not a stopgap, but a long-term project. Gondou combines physical power with intelligent movement and a clinical finish. He's entering his prime years, and unlike some of the veteran signings Tigres have made in the past, he represents a forward-thinking approach. He can lead the line alone or adapt to a more flexible system, giving Vucetich tactical options he currently lacks.
The clock is running, and the decision carries weight. Securing any of these five players would inject life into a struggling attack, but the choice between a quick fix and a statement signing will define Tigres' season. As the women's team continues to shine, the men's side needs a spark of its own. The board's final call will tell us whether they're playing it safe or aiming for something bigger.
