Tottenham Complete Two-Star Deal as De Zerbi Gets His Men
Tottenham Hotspur have turned their attention towards strengthening their attacking options after making significant progress in several other areas of the squad during what has been an increasingly busy summer transfer window.
With their recruitment plans continuing to take shape, Spurs are now looking to add more creativity, versatility and goal threat to their forward line. The club have identified a number of attacking targets, with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and Manchester City winger Savinho emerging as two of the most prominent names on their radar.
Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo is not a recent development. The north London club have been monitoring the Netherlands international since June and have now stepped up their efforts to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Talks have been held directly with the player’s representatives as Spurs attempt to build momentum and establish whether a deal can realistically be reached.
Gakpo is understood to be viewed as a particularly important target by Tottenham, although negotiations remain complicated. His versatility is one of the major attractions, with the Dutchman capable of operating from the left wing, through the middle or in a more advanced attacking role. That flexibility could make him an important component of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans as the manager looks to develop a more dynamic Tottenham side.
At the same time, Spurs have revived their long-standing interest in Savinho. Tottenham’s admiration for the Brazilian winger stretches back to last summer, when they explored the possibility of signing him before he ultimately remained at Manchester City.
That interest has not disappeared, however, and Tottenham have returned for the player this summer. Savinho is reportedly keen on the prospect of moving to north London and working under De Zerbi, adding another positive element to Spurs’ pursuit.
Tottenham have made progress in their efforts to take Savinho to N17 and will now be hoping to turn that progress into a completed agreement. The Brazilian’s pace, direct running and ability to operate in one-on-one situations would give De Zerbi another attacking weapon and could significantly increase the variety available in the final third.
Importantly, the potential arrival of Savinho would not necessarily bring an end to Tottenham’s pursuit of Gakpo. Spurs do not currently regard the two players as alternatives, but rather as separate targets who could complement one another within the club’s broader sporting project.
According to Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof, De Zerbi has different roles in mind for Gakpo and Savinho. That distinction is central to Tottenham’s thinking, as the manager appears to see the pair as players who could contribute in different ways rather than competing directly for the same position.
Signing both would therefore represent a significant statement of intent from Tottenham. It would provide De Zerbi with greater flexibility in how he sets up his attack, while also giving him the ability to rotate his forwards and adapt his approach depending on the opposition.
The Gakpo pursuit, though, remains particularly difficult. Discussions with Liverpool are continuing, but the Reds are unlikely to make the Dutchman available without first ensuring that their own attacking options are adequately covered.
Liverpool are reportedly pursuing a major deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, while they are also interested in fellow PSG attacker Ibrahim Mbaye. Should either or both of those pursuits progress, it could potentially alter Liverpool’s stance on Gakpo and create an opportunity for Tottenham to make their move.
For now, Spurs will have to remain patient while attempting to convince both Liverpool and the player that a move to north London is the right outcome. Gakpo’s importance to Liverpool means Tottenham face a considerable challenge, but developments elsewhere in the transfer market could work in their favour.
The coming days could therefore prove decisive in determining whether Gakpo and Savinho can both become part of De Zerbi’s plans. Tottenham’s recruitment team appear determined to give the manager a stronger collection of attacking options, and the pursuit of the two forwards demonstrates the scale of their ambition.
However, Gakpo and Savinho are not the only attacking players being considered. Tottenham are also assessing the possibility of adding further firepower through former Arsenal forward Florian Balogun.
The United States international could reportedly command a transfer fee in the region of €60 million, making any move for him a significant financial commitment. Nevertheless, Spurs appear to be exploring multiple avenues as they look to ensure that their attacking department has enough depth and quality to compete across all competitions.
While Tottenham continue to work on potential arrivals, there could also be movement in the opposite direction before the transfer window closes. Galatasaray are reportedly considering a serious approach for Mathys Tel, whose future in north London has become increasingly uncertain.
Tel has previously expressed concerns over his playing time at Tottenham, and those worries could become even greater if the club succeeds in signing both Savinho and Gakpo. The arrival of additional attacking talent would inevitably increase competition for places and could make it more difficult for the young forward to secure regular minutes.
That situation could potentially force Tottenham and Tel to reassess their respective positions before the window shuts. Spurs will need to decide whether they are prepared to allow the forward to leave, while Tel will have to weigh up the benefits of remaining at the club against the prospect of seeking more consistent first-team football elsewhere.
For Tottenham, the next phase of the transfer window could therefore be crucial. The club are simultaneously attempting to strengthen their attack, negotiate potentially complicated deals for Gakpo and Savinho, consider Balogun as another option and manage interest in players already within the squad.
If Spurs can complete the signing of Savinho while maintaining their pursuit of Gakpo, De Zerbi could soon have a considerably deeper and more versatile attacking unit at his disposal. Whether both deals can ultimately be completed remains to be seen, but Tottenham’s activity suggests they are determined to raise the quality and competitiveness of their forward line ahead of the new campaign.
