Tottenham’s long-running interest in Cody Gakpo appears to be running out of road, with the latest reports suggesting Liverpool are not prepared to let the Dutch international leave this summer. Spurs have reportedly shifted their focus to Marseille forward Amine Gouiri instead, as hopes of landing Gakpo fade.
The saga has swung back and forth in recent weeks. Reports earlier in the window suggested Tottenham had struck an agreement in principle with Liverpool, with personal terms said to be sorted and a fee in the region of £60-70 million under discussion. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that talks had taken place and that Spurs held an understanding with the player himself, though Manchester City were also said to be sniffing around and could yet look to hijack the move.
The sticking point has always been Liverpool’s stance. The Merseyside club have made clear they won’t sanction Gakpo’s exit unless they bring in replacements first — with Bradley Barcola long touted as their priority target — and even then, some reports suggest Liverpool still won’t budge given they need cover following Hugo Ekitike’s injury.
With that deal now looking increasingly unlikely, Tottenham have already been busy elsewhere in attack, having added Savinho from Manchester City for an initial £75 million and closing in on a loan-to-buy deal for Omar Marmoush. De Zerbi’s side have spent close to £237 million strengthening their defence and midfield already this summer, and Gakpo was understood to be their last major attacking target before the deadline.
Whether Spurs return for Gakpo before the window shuts remains to be seen, but for now their focus looks to have moved on to alternative options as they continue reshaping the squad under their new manager.
