Tottenham Hotspur's search for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes has reportedly turned toward Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch international said to be receptive to the idea of a move to north London.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Gakpo has given a positive response to interest from Spurs, with his representatives reportedly offering encouragement during preliminary discussions between the two parties. The versatile forward, who can operate on the left wing or through the middle as a central striker, has been earmarked by Tottenham as a potential solution to their attacking needs.
Despite the apparent willingness on Gakpo's part, Liverpool are said to have no intention of parting with the 26-year-old at this stage of the window. The Merseyside club are prioritizing the pursuit of a direct successor to Mohamed Salah, with Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Bradley Barcola understood to be their primary target. Barcola is reportedly valued in the region of £145 million, and Liverpool's focus remains on navigating what are expected to be difficult negotiations with the Ligue 1 champions rather than entertaining offers for one of their own attacking assets.
Should Liverpool's stance shift, Football Insider has reported that the Reds could be open to letting Gakpo go for a fee of around £70 million. It remains unclear whether Liverpool will maintain their current position or reconsider if a suitable replacement for Salah is secured elsewhere.
Tottenham's pursuit of Gakpo comes amid an already busy summer of spending for the north London club. Under manager Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have committed £237 million to strengthening their squad, bringing in six new signings so far. Yet De Zerbi has made clear that he does not consider the club's transfer business complete, stating that only around 60 percent of their planned activity has been finalized. The Italian coach is understood to be pushing for two or three additional signings before the window shuts, with a winger and possibly another striker among the priorities.
Gakpo's profile fits the requirements outlined by De Zerbi, given his ability to function both as a wide attacker and as a more central striking option. His flexibility could make him an attractive addition for a Spurs side looking to add depth and variety to their forward line.
Alongside their interest in the Liverpool forward, Tottenham have also maintained a long-standing pursuit of Manchester City winger Savinho. The Brazilian has reportedly expressed a desire to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of more consistent playing time, something he has struggled to secure under Pep Guardiola. Whether Spurs choose to pursue both targets simultaneously, or focus their remaining resources on one over the other, remains to be seen as the transfer deadline approaches.
For Liverpool, the situation with Gakpo adds another layer of complexity to a summer already dominated by the search for Salah's long-term replacement. The club's willingness to engage in talks over Gakpo's future may ultimately hinge on their progress in negotiations with PSG over Barcola, with the two situations potentially becoming intertwined as the window nears its close.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football), Caught Offside, and Football Insider.