Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed the club are still looking to add at least one more player before the transfer window closes, with a long-running interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo remaining part of the club's plans, though a deal appears far from straightforward.
Spurs have monitored the Dutch international for some time, but Liverpool are unwilling to sanction his departure until they secure a replacement of their own. The Merseyside club have already agreed a £120million deal to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, moving closer to fulfilling one of their key attacking targets. However, manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly keen to bring in more than one new winger before the window shuts, and Liverpool have also been looking into a potential move for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr.
Even if Liverpool complete their incoming business, indications suggest they will demand a substantial fee for Gakpo, who still has four years left on his current contract at Anfield. That valuation could complicate any late attempt by Tottenham to prise him away before Tuesday's 11pm deadline.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, De Zerbi addressed the ongoing search for reinforcements, revealing that the club's hierarchy had discussed transfer strategy over dinner the previous evening.
"I didn't expect a transfer window like we have done," De Zerbi said. "I think we can do one player more in one specific position.
"Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan [Lange, sporting director] and Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and we spoke about this. All of us are on the same page and a very good connection."
The Italian coach also touched on the club's approach to squad departures, insisting that Tottenham have been transparent with players regarding their futures. He indicated that those who expressed a desire to leave have already done so, though a handful of players remain in limbo as they await suitable offers before the deadline.
"I've been very clear with all the players: if you speak clearly you can't expect surprises," De Zerbi explained. "The players who wanted to leave have left. We maybe have some players who want to leave and they are waiting, we are waiting for an offer. You have to feel proud to stay here. It's an emotional project we are building with new players."
Among those who could still depart before Tuesday's deadline is midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, who has attracted interest from Aston Villa. The Senegal international has not featured in either of Tottenham's opening two Premier League fixtures this season, fueling speculation over his immediate future at the club. Spurs are understood to be seeking a fee in the region of £20million for the 22-year-old.
De Zerbi addressed Sarr's situation directly, confirming the player remains fit and available despite his recent absence from matchday squads.
"Pape is good [fitness-wise]," the manager said. "We have to see in the last days of the transfer market what can happen with him."
With the deadline fast approaching, Tottenham face a busy few days as they look to finalize their squad for the season ahead, balancing outgoing interest in players like Sarr with the ongoing pursuit of fresh attacking options. Whether the Gakpo deal can be revived remains uncertain, but De Zerbi's comments suggest the club have not given up hope of strengthening further before the window closes.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.