Tottenham's Ambitious Pursuit of Cody Gakpo

Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time reshaping Tottenham in his own image. The defence has already been ripped up and rebuilt with three new arrivals, a clear message that the Italian is not interested in gentle evolution. Now his gaze has moved up the pitch – and Spurs are aiming big.

They have already had a £75million bid for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle United, a bold opening shot in midfield. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is also on the radar as De Zerbi looks for technicians who can control games as well as break them open.

But it is in the final third where Tottenham’s ambition really shows.

Spurs circle as Gakpo’s future hangs in the balance

Talks with Manchester City over Savinho are ongoing, a sign that Spurs want more pace and unpredictability out wide. At the same time, another name has quietly entered the frame: Cody Gakpo.

The 27-year-old is not a fringe player looking for a way out. He was a central figure for Liverpool in the Premier League last season, missing only two games through injury and starting 32 of his 36 appearances under Arne Slot. Seven league goals, five assists, and a goal involvement roughly every three matches underline a forward who contributes consistently, even if he is not the headline act every weekend.

On the international stage, his stock is climbing again. Ronald Koeman has made him a key part of the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and Gakpo has responded. Two goals and an assist in a 5-1 dismantling of Sweden in the second group game have pushed him back into the spotlight at exactly the time clubs are plotting their summers.

That timing matters. His performances for the national team are strengthening Liverpool’s hand.

Liverpool hold the leverage – for now

Gakpo’s situation at Anfield is complicated. Reports have suggested Liverpool are open to listening to offers this summer, but they are under no pressure to sell.

They paid between £35million and £45million to bring him in during the January 2023 window. Since then, he has signed a new contract, agreed last summer, believed to be worth around £250,000 a week. Four years remain on that deal. In blunt terms, Liverpool can name their price.

If they do decide to cash in, they will expect to recoup their outlay and turn a profit. Every sharp touch, every goal for the Netherlands only nudges that valuation higher.

For Tottenham, that makes the pursuit both enticing and awkward. Gakpo fits the profile of a De Zerbi forward: versatile across the front line, intelligent in his movement, capable of linking play and finishing moves. But prising him away from a direct rival, in his prime, on a long and lucrative contract, will not be quick or cheap.

A long game for De Zerbi and Spurs

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Spurs’ interest is real. Clubs, he said, are “trying to understand if there is a way to strike a deal for Cody Gakpo this summer,” but Liverpool have yet to give the green light to any exit and remain “very happy” with the Dutchman.

That leaves the saga in a holding pattern. Liverpool must decide whether Gakpo is central to their next cycle under Slot or a valuable asset to be moved on at peak value. That decision is unlikely to come while he is in the middle of a World Cup campaign.

So Tottenham wait. De Zerbi continues to shape the squad, Spurs probe the market, and Gakpo keeps scoring on the biggest stage.

If Liverpool do eventually open the door, the question will be simple: are Spurs prepared to turn strong interest into a statement that truly changes the landscape of their attack?