Manchester City enter the race
Manchester City have emerged as surprise contenders in the race to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, according to multiple reports. The Athletic reported that City are exploring a move for the 27-year-old, with the club having made contact with Gakpo's camp. Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano have both indicated that City are making an attempt to sign the Netherlands international ahead of Tottenham, with City believed to have opened talks on Monday.
City's interest comes as they look set to offload two forwards of their own, with Savinho and Omar Marmoush reportedly closing in on moves to Tottenham. City are believed to be asking £150m for the pair, according to talkSPORT.
Tottenham, meanwhile, remain actively engaged in negotiations to sign Gakpo, according to Romano, who confirmed on his YouTube channel that discussions are ongoing despite reports of a stalemate. Spurs are said to want to secure the versatile attacker before the transfer window closes.
Liverpool's stance and Gakpo's form
Despite the interest, Liverpool do not plan to sell Gakpo, according to The Athletic. The forward is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2030, having signed a new deal last summer. The Reds would only consider a sale if they were to add new forwards to their ranks, the report stated.
Gakpo's performances have bolstered the case for keeping him. He scored Liverpool's first goal in their 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Sunday, a clinical 20-yard strike, and has now scored seven goals in his last eight matches for club and country. James Pearce, writing for The Athletic, urged Liverpool to 'resist any temptation to cash in' on Gakpo, while Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo echoed that sentiment, writing that Gakpo 'cannot be sold'.
Gakpo endured a difficult season last term, managing just nine goals in all competitions after scoring 18 the previous campaign. However, his recent form has reignited debate about his value to the squad.
Tottenham's pursuit
Tottenham have been linked with Gakpo throughout the summer. According to a report from Anfield Index, Spurs have submitted an opening offer worth just over £60 million, while Liverpool are asking for £70 million. The same report claims Gakpo has agreed personal terms with Tottenham and is open to a move, though these details have not been corroborated by other outlets. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a big fan of the forward, and a move would represent a major tactical coup as he reshapes the club's attacking unit.
Spurs' need for attacking reinforcements was highlighted by their 3-0 defeat at Brentford on the opening weekend, a match in which their forward line looked thin. Gakpo's ability to operate across the front line—on the left, through the middle, or drifting inward—makes him an attractive option for De Zerbi.
Transfer market context
Beyond the Gakpo saga, the closing days of the transfer window are busy across the Premier League. Newcastle have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City to sign Nico Gonzalez for £47m plus £3m in add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. Manchester United are confident of persuading Arsenal to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly, though the asking price of more than £50m remains a sticking point. Newcastle have also submitted an offer worth £34.2m for Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, while Chelsea have had three bids rejected for Bournemouth's Alex Scott. Hull have bid £17.9m for Union Berlin forward Ilyas Ansah, AC Milan are considering a move for Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui, and Coventry have agreed a £6m deal for Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock.
Outlook
The Gakpo situation remains fluid. While Liverpool maintain they do not plan to sell, the club's need to strengthen their forward line could open the door to a departure. City's entry into the race adds a new dimension, potentially pitting two Premier League rivals against each other. Whether Tottenham's reported £60m offer meets Liverpool's valuation—and whether Gakpo would choose Spurs over City—remains to be seen.