Tottenham’s summer spending shows no sign of letting up, with the club now being linked with a move that could overshadow even the blockbuster arrival of Sandro Tonali.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have ditched their old cautious ways in favor of aggressively targeting proven Premier League quality. While plenty of clubs get praised for “winning the window,” Tottenham seem intent on actually building a squad capable of competing at the very top.
The club-record £100 million capture of Tonali has been a major talking point, sending ripples through the English game given City’s previous interest in him and underlining Spurs’ new willingness to spend with the league’s biggest clubs. That came after Tottenham had already beaten Manchester United to Mateus Fernandes — further proof the club can now attract genuinely elite targets.
And the business isn’t done. Six new faces have already arrived, with De Zerbi reportedly eyeing further additions before the window shuts. Notably, the recruitment drive has centered almost entirely on players with proven Premier League pedigree, reflecting the manager’s preference for ready-made impact over long-term projects.
Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi has already been mentioned as one attacking target, but an even bigger name has now entered the picture. Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, though a deal remains far from close. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed Spurs’ interest in the Dutch international is genuine, but Liverpool have no plans to let him go this summer. Per Romano, Liverpool aren’t inviting bids for Gakpo and haven’t engaged with Tottenham — though that could change if Spurs table a formal offer later in the window. Liverpool are said to want around £60 million before entertaining a sale.
As big a statement as Tonali was, landing Gakpo could be even more significant. The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer for club and country — during Liverpool’s title-winning season under Arne Slot, he racked up 14 goal involvements from just 23 league starts, then followed it up with another 12 the following campaign while remaining one of the side’s most creative outlets. His numbers back it up too: ten big chances created and 1.5 key passes per game last season, well ahead of what Tottenham currently get from players like Mathys Tel, who managed just five goal involvements, five big chances created, and one key pass per game. Gakpo’s versatility — comfortable out wide or through the middle — only adds to his appeal for De Zerbi.
His international pedigree adds further shine to his profile. Gakpo has a knack for stepping up on the big stage, netting six times in just nine World Cup appearances and adding three more goals at Euro 2024 as the Dutch reached the semis. Still only in the prime of his career, he already has a strong trophy haul to his name, including Eredivisie titles with PSV and a Premier League winner’s medal with Liverpool. Before his Anfield move, he racked up well over 100 goal contributions in barely 150-odd appearances for PSV — a reflection of just how consistent he’s been.
Tonali remains a top-class midfielder on his day, but his time in England has been disrupted by a ban and patchy form. Gakpo, by contrast, keeps delivering week in, week out for club and country, making him the kind of signing that could immediately lift Tottenham’s attack. If Spurs can eventually talk Liverpool round, getting Gakpo over the line would be arguably the boldest statement yet of De Zerbi’s new-look Tottenham.
