Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of signing Cody Gakpo and Savinho this summer have received a boost and a setback in equal measure after Liverpool and Manchester City adopted the same transfer stance over their wingers.
Roberto De Zerbi is eager to strengthen his attack before the transfer window closes, with the Tottenham boss identifying Savinho as his preferred option for the right wing and Gakpo as a leading target on the left.
However, both Premier League rivals have informed Spurs they are unwilling to approve a sale unless they first secure suitable replacements.
Liverpool’s position is particularly firm.
The Premier League champions continue to regard Gakpo as an important member of Andoni Iraola’s squad and have no intention of allowing the Netherlands international to leave unless they can bring in another high-quality wide attacker first. Bradley Barcola remains one of the players admired at Anfield as Liverpool continue to assess the market.
Although Liverpool are not actively looking to sell the 27-year-old, reports suggest their stance could soften if they receive an exceptional offer that reflects his value. Gakpo is believed to be valued at around £70-72 million.
Manchester City have taken a similar approach regarding Savinho.
Tottenham have maintained regular contact with City over the Brazilian winger, who is understood to be open to a move to North London in search of more consistent first-team football. A deal worth around £60 million has been widely discussed.
City, though, are not prepared to weaken their squad before finding a replacement.
Enzo Maresca wants sufficient depth in the wide attacking positions before considering Savinho’s departure, meaning Spurs may have to wait for City’s own transfer business to progress before negotiations can move forward.
Of the two deals, Savinho is still regarded as the more achievable.
The Brazilian has already indicated he is willing to join Tottenham, while club officials remain optimistic that an agreement can eventually be reached once Manchester City complete their own recruitment.
Gakpo’s situation is more complicated.
Despite positive contact between Tottenham and the player’s representatives, Liverpool are reluctant to lose one of their most experienced attackers and currently view him as an integral part of Iraola’s plans for the new season.
With the transfer window entering its final month, Tottenham are expected to continue working on both deals.
For now, however, Spurs face the same challenge with each target: Liverpool and Manchester City are prepared to sell only after securing replacements of their own.
