Stuttgart – As Germany prepares for a crucial summer, national team manager Julian Nagelsmann finds himself searching for reliable attacking options. Emerging from Belgium, 21-year-old Nicolò Tresoldi is making a compelling case for inclusion, recently showcasing his scoring prowess with a brace in Germany’s U21 victory over Northern Ireland. But his international future isn’t solely in Nagelsmann’s hands, as other nations are also vying for the talented forward’s allegiance.
Tresoldi Shines for Germany U21
Tresoldi’s recent performance in the 3-0 win against Northern Ireland was a clear demonstration of his current form, securing a vital victory in the qualifying campaign for the European Championship. The forward has quickly become a key player for the German U21 side, consistently delivering goals and impacting matches. While he hasn’t yet cemented a place in the senior A-Nationalmannschaft, his performances are undoubtedly catching the eye of Nagelsmann.
Tresoldi’s journey to prominence began with Hannover 96 before a move to Club Brugge in the summer of 2025 following the U21 European Championship in Slovakia. His background is internationally diverse, with his father, Emanuele Tresoldi, having represented Italy at the U21 level, and Nicolò himself born in Italy.
Argentina Enters the Fray
The competition for Tresoldi’s international services extends beyond Germany. According to reports, the Argentinian Football Association has also made contact with Tresoldi’s representatives. This interest stems from his mother, Barbara Caffi, being of Argentinian descent, opening the door for potential eligibility through ancestry. This adds another layer of complexity to Nagelsmann’s decision-making process, as he faces the possibility of losing a promising talent to a rival nation.
Club Football Success Fuels International Buzz
Tresoldi’s impressive form isn’t limited to international duty. He’s enjoying a breakout season with Club Brugge, having scored 17 goals and provided five assists in 48 appearances across all competitions as of late March 2026. He currently leads the Jupiler Pro League scoring charts with 13 league goals. This success has naturally attracted attention from clubs across Europe, with Arsenal emerging as a leading contender for his signature.
Arsenal are reportedly in active talks with Tresoldi’s camp, with manager Mikel Arteta “seriously interested” in bringing the German forward to the Emirates Stadium, according to reporter Christian Falk. The Gunners see Tresoldi as a potential solution to their attacking inconsistencies, offering competition and a clinical edge to their forward line.
Nagelsmann Acknowledges Tresoldi’s Potential
Despite the growing interest from other nations and clubs, Nagelsmann remains aware of Tresoldi’s potential. In November, the German national team manager publicly acknowledged the forward’s progress, expressing hope that he could be a factor in the upcoming World Cup. “Notice many players in the mix who could slip in,” Nagelsmann stated. “That could include Ouedraogo, that could include Lennart Karl, that could include Tresoldi.”
However, as of March 25, 2026, Tresoldi has not received a direct call-up from Nagelsmann, a fact that the player himself acknowledged. This lack of communication, coupled with the interest from Argentina, raises questions about his future with the German national team. The situation highlights the challenges Nagelsmann faces in securing the commitment of dual-nationality players.
Tresoldi’s ability to perform on the European stage, evidenced by his goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, further underscores his potential. He’s proving that he can compete at the highest level, and his continued success will only increase the pressure on Nagelsmann to make a decision.
The forward recently returned to Niedersachsen to play with the DFB selection against Northern Ireland in Braunschweig on Friday, March 28th, with many of his friends in attendance. He scored twice in that match.
For Tresoldi, the decision of which nation to represent is a significant one. He has previously hinted at considering a change of allegiance, adding another layer of uncertainty to his international future. His current focus remains on performing well for Club Brugge and the German U21 team, but the allure of representing Argentina, or the certainty of a role with Germany, could ultimately sway his decision.
The coming months will be crucial in determining Tresoldi’s international path. Nagelsmann will need to act decisively to convince the forward that his future lies with Germany, while Tresoldi will weigh his options and consider what best suits his career aspirations. The situation is a reminder of the increasingly competitive landscape of international football, where national teams must actively court and secure the commitment of talented dual-nationality players.
What’s Next: Tresoldi will continue to feature for Club Brugge as they push for the Jupiler Pro League title. Nagelsmann will be closely monitoring his progress, and a potential call-up to the senior national team could come ahead of the World Cup. The next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping Tresoldi’s international future.
What do you think? Should Nagelsmann prioritize a call-up for Tresoldi? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
