Tottenham Hotspur are exploring further additions to their attacking ranks this summer, with manager Roberto De Zerbi keen to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Despite already committing £237million to new signings, De Zerbi has suggested that Spurs have only completed around 60 per cent of their planned transfer business, signalling more activity is likely in the coming weeks.
Among the names being linked with a move to north London are Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Manchester City winger Savinho. However, according to information reported by Standard Sport, Liverpool are currently reluctant to part with Gakpo and have not yet held discussions with Tottenham regarding a potential transfer. The Dutch forward still has four years remaining on his contract at Anfield, and Liverpool would first need to identify a replacement before entertaining any sale.
The situation with Savinho appears more advanced. The Brazilian winger has reportedly made clear his desire to leave Manchester City in pursuit of greater playing time. Any deal, though, would likely require a substantial fee given that the 22-year-old recently agreed a long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium running until 2031. Despite the anticipated cost, Tottenham are said to be ambitious enough to pursue both players simultaneously in an effort to strengthen their forward line.
Should Spurs succeed in landing both players, De Zerbi would have several tactical options at his disposal. One possibility involves using Gakpo as a central striker rather than in his more familiar position on the left flank. Reports indicate that De Zerbi views Gakpo as capable of playing as a false nine, dropping deep to link midfield and attack while allowing wingers such as Savinho to exploit space in behind. This approach would also address criticism Gakpo faced last season at Liverpool, where his tendency to cut inside from the left became predictable. Under this setup, a possible Tottenham XI could read: Kinsky, Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie, Fernandes, Tonali, Kudus, Maddison, Savinho, Gakpo.
A second option would see Savinho used on the right wing to help resolve a personnel issue for Spurs, with both Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert working their way back from injury. Kudus was omitted from Tottenham's 36-man pre-season tour squad as he continues his recovery from a serious quad problem, while Odobert remains in the early stages of rehabilitation following an ACL injury. Bringing in Savinho would allow both wingers time to recover without pressure to rush back, with Gakpo potentially operating on the opposite flank. A possible lineup here includes: Kinsky, Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie, Fernandes, Tonali, Savinho, Maddison, Gakpo, Solanke.
A third scenario centres on midfield issues that troubled Tottenham last season, when the team often struggled to progress play through the middle of the pitch. The arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are expected to improve ball progression, but their effectiveness may depend on support from an attacking midfielder such as James Maddison, whose own fitness for the start of the campaign remains uncertain. In this case, De Zerbi could use Savinho in a more central attacking midfield role, with Gakpo again playing through the middle, forming what would effectively be a box midfield to help Spurs retain possession and control matches, particularly in away fixtures. A potential lineup would be: Kinsky, Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie, Fernandes, Tonali, Kudus, Savinho, Tel, Gakpo.
Whether Tottenham can complete deals for both Gakpo and Savinho remains uncertain, but the club appear determined to build on their busy summer spending as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.