Manchester City join Gakpo chase

Manchester City have entered the race for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, according to multiple reports, complicating Tottenham's pursuit of the Dutch international.

Tottenham had already seen an offer rejected for Gakpo, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the north London club. But City have now made their opening move, as reported by the Daily Star and the Daily Mirror. The Athletic has also reported City's interest, though it notes that no club-to-club talks have taken place between City and Liverpool.

Gakpo, 27, joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and has scored 51 goals in 181 appearances, including one in the opening-day draw with Newcastle. He is under contract until 2030, having signed a new five-year deal last August.

The fee required to prise him away is a point of disagreement among sources. The Daily Star and Daily Mirror report that it would take over £70 million, while The Athletic, as cited by Yardbarker, suggests Liverpool would likely demand over £75 million.

City's interest appears to be driven by squad depth rather than a guaranteed starting role, according to reports. Tottenham, meanwhile, would offer Gakpo a starting berth, as Yardbarker reports, making the competition for his signature a key subplot of the final days of the window.

Allan Elias deal close

City are also close to securing a significant discount on another winger. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that City are advancing towards a deal for Palmeiras' Allan Elias for a fee in the region of €40 million (£34.2 million / $46.7 million), far below his €100 million (£85.6 million / $116.8 million) release clause, as reported by teamtalk.com.

Sports Illustrated reports the agreed fee as a guaranteed $43.7 million (£32.1 million), rising to a potential $46.7 million (£34.3 million) with add-ons. Allan, a 22-year-old right-winger, has recorded nine goals and eleven assists in 95 appearances for Palmeiras, according to teamtalk.com.

Palmeiras had wanted to keep Allan until January, but City have convinced them to sell now, according to teamtalk.com. Allan is left-footed and can also play as an attacking midfielder, with his work rate and defensive abilities noted.

The move comes amid a wider winger overhaul at City. Savinho and Omar Marmoush are close to a double deal to Tottenham worth around £140 million, with Tottenham having already agreed an £85 million deal for Savinho, as reported by teamtalk.com. City's current winger options now include Jérémy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Jack Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Everton and could move on, according to Sports Illustrated.

Gakpo's situation and broader context

Tottenham's interest in Gakpo is driven by De Zerbi, as reported by Yardbarker. An opening bid of over £60 million was rejected, and according to SoccerNews, Tottenham are preparing a new offer. However, Liverpool are not looking to sell Gakpo this summer, as reported by multiple outlets.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool will only sell Gakpo if they can sign two wingers before the window closes, with PSG's Bradley Barcola their primary target. Romano also reports that City have begun talks with Gakpo's agent, and that Gakpo has a decision to make if Liverpool decide to sell.

City's spending power has been boosted by a series of sales this window, including Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, Savinho, Omar Marmoush and James Trafford, as reported by Sports Illustrated. The club is also targeting a third midfielder, with options including Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Adam Wharton or Alex Scott.

Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool manager, has praised Gakpo's form, saying: "Cody is performing really well. I think he has been training very well from the first day and understanding everything we need from his position. When you talk to him, you can feel that he understands the game and he is very smart. He has been one of our best players in the friendlies."

Perspectives

Manchester City

City's interest in Gakpo is part of a broader recruitment drive, with the club also closing in on Allan Elias and Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Athletic reports that City's interest in Gakpo is not advanced to club-to-club talks, and the club may view him as squad depth rather than a guaranteed starter. Manager Enzo Maresca has said it is difficult to convince players to stay when they want to leave, as with Savinho.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham have already brought in Marmoush and Savinho from City and are preparing a new offer for Gakpo, according to SoccerNews. They would offer Gakpo a starting role, which could be a decisive factor, and their interest is driven by De Zerbi.

Liverpool

Liverpool are not looking to sell Gakpo this summer, according to multiple reports. Manager Andoni Iraola has praised Gakpo's performances, and the club would demand a steep fee if they were to sell. Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool would only sell if they can sign two wingers before the window closes.