It looks like Tottenham will have to take a different path to landing three forwards at the end of the summer transfer window.
While Spurs look set to complete a double swoop for Manchester City's Omar Marmoush and Savinho, their third priority target, Cody Gakpo, is suddenly a target of the Cityzens.
City have made a move for Palmeiras youngster Allan to replace compatriot Savinho, but they'll need another through the door if Marmoush departs to ensure Erling Haaland is adequately supported. The Athletic reports that City are now firmly in the race to sign Spurs target Gakpo, who started and scored in Liverpool's Premier League opener against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Unlike the bulk of our fanbase, City supporters aren't particularly enthused by the link. Gakpo is regarded by the majority as a steady option at two positions, rather than an outstanding one. There are clear limitations in one-on-one situations, and he's hardly a forward that gets bums of seats.
Liverpool's reported asking price of £70m should've been enough of a deterrent for Spurs, but we know that the club will appease the ominpotent Roberto De Zerbi in his first transfer window at the helm, having guided the Lilywhites to safety last season.
Man City's Gakpo interest is a blessing in disguise for Tottenham
Tottenham have one last chance to do something different. While Gakpo has reportedly agreed to join Spurs, you'd suspect that City would be his preferred destination, even if a starting role is hardly guaranteed.
Liverpool, meanwhile, need to sign two wingers of their own to be comfortable selling the Dutchman.
As I've hinted, Gakpo would be an upgrade on Spurs' current options, but I don't believe him to be a needle-mover. He's just not uber talented.
Unfortunately, our business this summer, while ruthless and fairly impressive, has been bereft of creativity. We've targeted Premier League players only, seemingly rendering experience of the English top-flight as crucial. I think that's a dangerous policy to adopt, as it pretty much rules the club out of unearthing gems.
We saw at the weekend how more daring recruitment can immediately pay dividends. Brentford's Mamadou Sangaré was the best player on the pitch on Saturday afternoon, and although the Bees had to pay a club-record fee to sign him from Lens, he's the sort of player Spurs are now cutting themselves off from.
The winger market isn't deep, but there are options out there for Spurs with far more boom potential than Gakpo. I'm manifesting some Antonio Nusa interest.
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