Tottenham in ‘very concrete’ talks with £250k-a-week star as club contact is also made.
Tottenham Step Up Interest in Liverpool Star Cody Gakpo
Tottenham Hotspur have already spent heavily this summer, but Roberto De Zerbi appears determined to make further additions, particularly in attack.
Spurs have focused much of their recruitment on improving the core of the squad. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have strengthened the midfield, adding energy, quality and control, while Andy Robertson brings experience and leadership to the defence.
The spending is understandable given Tottenham’s struggles last season. They finished 17th in the Premier League and narrowly avoided relegation, leaving De Zerbi with a major rebuilding job. The Italian manager wants to overhaul the squad quickly and ensure Spurs are not dragged into another relegation fight.
However, Tottenham’s attacking department still appears to require reinforcements. The club have been pursuing Manchester City winger Savinho and are also exploring striker options, including former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun.
De Zerbi wants more pace, creativity, goals and flexibility around Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus, especially with Kudus working his way back from injury.
One player who has repeatedly emerged as a potential solution is Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.
The Dutch international would offer De Zerbi plenty of tactical flexibility. Although Gakpo is most comfortable starting from the left and cutting inside onto his right foot, he has also shown that he can operate effectively as a central striker.
That versatility could make him an ideal fit for De Zerbi, particularly given the manager’s preference for attacking players who can rotate positions and create spaces.
At 27, Gakpo would also provide the experience Tottenham need. He has already established himself in the Premier League since joining Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
His first few months at Anfield were relatively steady, with seven goals in 26 appearances, but he gradually became a more important and versatile member of Liverpool’s attack.
Gakpo enjoyed his most productive season in 2024/25, scoring 18 goals in all competitions as Liverpool won the Premier League title. He even found the net against Tottenham on the day Liverpool officially secured the championship.
His numbers dropped last season, when he managed nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances. Nevertheless, his value goes beyond his goal contributions. His strength, ball-carrying ability, versatility and capacity to play in different attacking positions would give De Zerbi another valuable option.
For Tottenham, Gakpo could reduce the pressure on Solanke to provide goals while also giving the team another player capable of operating centrally or from the wing.
The biggest problem, however, is Liverpool’s willingness to sell.
Gakpo signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool last August, reportedly earning around £250,000 per week. With the Reds also rebuilding their attack under Andoni Iraola, there is little obvious reason for the club to part ways with an established forward.
As a result, Tottenham would likely need to make a significant financial offer to persuade Liverpool to even consider negotiations.
Nevertheless, reports now suggest Spurs are taking their interest seriously.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed that Tottenham are involved in “very concrete” talks over Gakpo and have also contacted Liverpool to explore a possible transfer.
That development suggests Tottenham’s interest has gone beyond simply monitoring the Dutchman. Spurs appear to have taken the next step by opening discussions over what could become one of the biggest deals of their summer.
There is still plenty of uncertainty, though. People close to Gakpo have reportedly denied that an agreement has been reached, either with the player over personal terms or between Tottenham and Liverpool.
For now, Spurs appear to be exploring a potential move rather than being close to completing one.
From De Zerbi’s perspective, the interest is understandable. Tottenham need more attacking quality if they are to move significantly higher up the Premier League table, and Gakpo’s combination of experience, versatility and goal threat fits the manager’s plans.
Tottenham have already shown their willingness to spend heavily this summer. If De Zerbi gets his wish, the attacking rebuild could still have another major addition to come—and Cody Gakpo may be one of the final pieces he wants for his new-look Spurs side.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are unlikely to make negotiations easy. Gakpo is an established Netherlands international and Premier League forward with years remaining on his contract, meaning Tottenham may need to table a huge offer before the Reds even consider selling.
The coming weeks will determine whether Spurs turn their interest into a formal bid or whether Gakpo remains at Anfield. For now, though, Tottenham’s intentions are clear: De Zerbi wants more firepower, and Spurs are prepared to keep searching for it.
