Published Aug 14, 2026, 6:36 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Roberto De Zerbi wants more variety in attack after inheriting a squad which struggled badly for goals during last season's relegation battle.

Dominic Solanke remains an option at centre forward, but his campaign was heavily disrupted by injury and Nottingham Forest have since been linked with a move.

Richarlison produced important goals last term and De Zerbi has spoken about wanting him to stay. However, his future has attracted speculation with only two years remaining on his contract.

Spurs have explored several options.

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has reportedly given his approval to a move, while Georges Mikautadze, Nicolas Jackson and Victor Osimhen have appeared in discussions surrounding Tottenham's search.

Cody Gakpo offers something very different from those names.

The Netherlands international has spent most of his Liverpool career attacking from the left, but he has played centrally and as a false nine.

Spurs insider Paul O'Keefe has claimed De Zerbi views Gakpo as an alternative striker to Solanke and Richarlison, rather than simply another winger.

Tottenham's interest has survived despite their simultaneous and long-winded pursuit of Man City wide man Savinho, with the Gakpo story first began gathering pace in June.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed Tottenham's admiration but made clear Liverpool were not opening the door to a sale.

The situation moved forward after the World Cup.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed today Spurs have entered 'concrete' talks with Gakpo and made contact with Liverpool. However, sources close to the player denied that any agreement had been reached.

Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof has since reported growing confidence around the deal, although Liverpool's approval remains the biggest obstacle.

Gakpo is tied to Anfield until 2030 after signing an extension last year, so Liverpool have no pressure to sell and can demand a premium from a Premier League rival.

His output dipped during a difficult 25/26 season, but he responded with a productive World Cup for the Netherlands, reminding interested clubs of his power, direct running and ability to score when cutting inside.

Tottenham have now tested Liverpool's resolve.

Tottenham submit opening Cody Gakpo bid as Liverpool respond

SoccerNews journalist Mounir Boualin reports that Spurs have submitted an opening offer worth around £60 million.

That proposal has reportedly been rejected, with Liverpool demanding a larger fee before considering Gakpo's departure.

Boualin also states that the forward has not agreed personal terms with Tottenham, matching Plettenberg's earlier warning that no player agreement was in place.

Spurs are nevertheless expected to return with an improved bid.

Liverpool's pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola could eventually influence their position, but that deal is also unresolved. For Tottenham, the question is now how far they are prepared to go.

Gakpo would cover two attacking positions and arrive with proven Premier League experience, but Liverpool have made clear that £60m is not enough.

If De Zerbi truly sees him as a central part of his rebuild, Tottenham's next offer will have to prove it.