Tottenham Hotspur are moving closer to sealing another big-name arrival, with reports pointing to the club taking control of the race for a highly-rated £70 million forward as Roberto De Zerbi presses on with rebuilding his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Spurs have had an aggressive window, strengthening from back to front. The defence was addressed first with Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all arriving, before the midfield got a major boost through Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali — both of whom briefly held the status of the club’s record signing.
Despite a solid 2-0 pre-season win over Auckland in New Zealand, De Zerbi has stressed there’s still plenty of work left this summer. He wants at least two more attacking signings before the window shuts as he builds a squad capable of finishing much higher after last season’s disappointing campaign.
Speaking after the friendly, De Zerbi admitted his side still lacks quality in the final third, pointing specifically to the need for a left winger and another striker. Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison remain part of the attacking group, but doubts over Richarlison’s long-term future have added urgency to the search for a new forward.
Manchester City winger Savinho has now become Tottenham’s top attacking priority. Spurs are said to have pulled ahead of AC Milan in the race for the 22-year-old Brazilian, with talks between the clubs progressing well and Tottenham positioning themselves to get a deal done before rivals can step in.
Milan remain in the picture after shifting their focus away from Phil Foden, who recently signed a new deal to stay at City. The Serie A club are reportedly weighing up a loan move with an obligation to buy in the £43-47 million range.
Tottenham, though, look intent on winning the race outright, with reports suggesting they’ve put forward an offer worth around £70 million to finally land a player they’ve tracked for well over a year.
Savinho isn’t the only winger on Spurs’ shortlist. The club has also reached out over PSG teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. Where Savinho operates mainly from the left, Mbaye is primarily a right-sided player — suggesting Tottenham could be looking to strengthen both flanks before the window closes.
Landing the 18-year-old won’t be easy. Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are all said to be watching the Senegal international closely, setting the stage for one of the summer’s more heated transfer battles.
PSG reportedly value Mbaye at over €50 million after he racked up four goals and four assists in 42 appearances last season. While the French champions would consider selling for the right price, Tottenham face a decision on whether to commit that kind of money to a player still developing.
With talks over Savinho advancing and interest in Mbaye building, Tottenham’s summer spending shows no sign of easing up as De Zerbi works to complete his attacking rebuild before the new season gets underway.
