Fabrizio Romano Reveals £100M Tottenham Target Has Said Yes As Spurs Close In On Big Summer Signing
Tottenham Hotspur could be ready to shift their attention towards Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye after suffering a major setback in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ndiaye has emerged as a potential alternative for Spurs as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his attacking options. Romano discussed the situation during an appearance on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness, suggesting that Tottenham could even explore the possibility of including Richarlison in a deal for the Everton attacker.
Gakpo had reportedly been one of Tottenham’s priority targets this summer. The Dutch forward was viewed as an ideal addition because of his ability to operate from the left wing while also playing through the middle as a centre-forward. However, Spurs have now missed out on the Liverpool attacker, with Gakpo choosing a move to Manchester City in a deal that could eventually be worth as much as £85 million.
The disappointment comes at a difficult moment for Tottenham. De Zerbi’s side have made a nightmare start to the new campaign, suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat against Brentford before being beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United at home.
Even more concerning for Spurs supporters is the fact that Tottenham are yet to score a goal in their opening matches. Despite significant spending in the transfer market, the early performances have exposed several weaknesses within De Zerbi’s squad, particularly in the final third.
Romano points to Ndiaye as possible Gakpo replacement
With Gakpo now seemingly out of reach, Tottenham must quickly identify another attacking option, and Ndiaye could become one of the players at the top of their shortlist.
Romano explained that the Everton star is highly appreciated at Tottenham and could be considered if the club decides to move on from the Gakpo pursuit.
The Italian journalist also raised the possibility of a player-plus-cash arrangement involving Richarlison. The Brazilian’s future at Tottenham has been uncertain for much of the summer, and a return to Everton has previously been discussed.
Ndiaye has developed into one of Everton’s most exciting attacking players since arriving at Goodison Park. His pace, creativity, technical ability and versatility have made him an important part of the Toffees’ attacking setup, while his ability to carry the ball and create opportunities could provide Tottenham with something different.
However, signing him would not necessarily be straightforward. Reports have suggested that Everton could demand around £80 million for the Senegal international, meaning Tottenham would likely have to make a significant financial commitment.
One possible solution could be using Richarlison as part of the negotiations.
Richarlison could be key to a potential deal
Richarlison’s future has been a major talking point throughout the summer. Although the Brazilian has reportedly been open to remaining in England, his position at Tottenham remains uncertain.
The forward spent several successful years at Everton before moving to Spurs in a £60 million deal. Because of his previous relationship with the club and his family’s long-standing life in England, a return to Goodison Park has been viewed as a possibility.
If Tottenham are genuinely interested in Ndiaye, Richarlison could therefore become an important bargaining chip in negotiations.
A swap deal would potentially benefit both clubs. Everton could regain a player who already knows the club and the Premier League, while Tottenham could bring in a younger and more dynamic attacking player who could immediately add creativity to their frontline.
Whether Everton would be willing to accept such an arrangement remains uncertain, especially given Ndiaye’s importance to their plans.
Ndiaye could give Spurs a different attacking dimension
For Tottenham supporters, Ndiaye could arguably be an even more exciting option than Gakpo, although the two players offer very different qualities.
Gakpo is renowned for his movement, finishing and ability to find dangerous positions around the penalty area. Ndiaye, meanwhile, is more of a creative and unpredictable attacker who likes to run at defenders, combine with teammates and create openings from difficult situations.
That difference could actually make Ndiaye an attractive option for De Zerbi.
Tottenham already have attacking players capable of operating centrally, including Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush, following the Egyptian’s arrival from Manchester City. As a result, Spurs could benefit from adding a player who can provide greater creativity and attacking unpredictability rather than simply another traditional centre-forward.
Ndiaye’s versatility would also give De Zerbi more tactical options. He can operate across the attacking line, allowing the manager to change formations and attacking combinations depending on the opponent.
Spurs still searching for more firepower
Tottenham’s goalless start has increased the pressure on the club to find another attacking solution before the transfer window closes.
The club had previously identified Bournemouth youngster Junior Kroupi as another potential target, but the French striker suffered an injury during pre-season. Tottenham are now believed to have decided to postpone their pursuit until next year.
That decision could give Ndiaye even greater importance in Spurs’ plans.
Rather than waiting for Kroupi to recover and continuing to search for another centre-forward, Tottenham could decide to bring in Ndiaye now and use his creativity to improve an attack that has struggled badly in the opening fixtures.
The club’s recruitment team must now decide whether Ndiaye is worth the reported £80 million asking price or whether a deal involving Richarlison could help reduce the financial burden.
With Gakpo choosing Manchester City, Tottenham have been forced to reconsider their attacking plans. If Romano’s information proves accurate, Ndiaye could quickly become one of the biggest names on Spurs’ transfer shortlist.
