Tottenham Hotspur are actively engaged in negotiations with Manchester City concerning a possible joint acquisition of the Brazilian forward Savinho and Egyptian attacker Omar Marmoush. According to a report from Sky Sports News on Wednesday, the North London club’s transfer agenda includes bringing Savinho, Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo and a target centre‑forward into the squad before the summer window shuts, with Marmoush also listed among the options on their shortlist. Sources close to the deal say that discussions between the two Premier League giants are moving forward, although no formal agreement has yet been signed.
Savinho, who has been linked with a move to the White Hart Lane side for several weeks, is reportedly prepared to make the switch as soon as the paperwork is completed. Manchester City, meanwhile, have already identified a set of replacement players for any outgoing talent and are intent on plugging any gaps before the deadline, which now sits less than two weeks away. The club’s strategy appears to involve securing affordable yet quality reinforcements that can seamlessly integrate into Pep Guardiola’s system, ensuring that the departure of either Savinho or Marmoush does not disrupt the squad’s balance.
Tottenham’s broader transfer plan also hinges on the outcome of Liverpool’s pending deals. The Spurs are waiting for the Merseyside club to finalize the signing of French winger Bradley Barcola and, potentially, his Paris Saint‑Germain teammate Ibrahim Mbaye. Once those moves are confirmed, Tottenham hope to add Gakpo to their list of targets, stacking their attack with a blend of pace, creativity and goal‑scoring instinct.
If the Gakpo pursuit falls through, Tottenham are believed to have alternative options on their radar. One such possibility is a move for Chelsea’s Portuguese forward Pedro Neto, who has impressed with his technical ability and versatility. While Gakpo could conceivably be deployed as a central striker under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, he is not considered Tottenham’s primary No 9 candidate; the club’s main focus remains on securing a traditional, out‑and‑out centre‑forward who can both finish chances and link play across the front line.
In theory, the cumulative effect of these negotiations could see Spurs completing up to nine first‑team signings during this summer’s activity window. This would be a remarkable tally given that the club has already expended more than £200 million on six senior players.
Earlier in the window, Tottenham broke the bank for two midfielders – Sandro Tonali from Newcastle and Matheus Fernandes from West Ham – at a combined cost of £185 million. They also secured Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for a £52 million fee to replace the departing centre‑back Cristian Romero. Additionally, free‑transfer arrivals such as Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka have bolstered the squad without adding to the expenditure.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Spurs correspondent Ben Ransom relayed comments from Manchester City’s sporting director Enzo Maresca regarding the two players in question. Maresca acknowledged that both Savinho and Marmoush have become surplus to City’s requirements over the course of the summer. He explained that while the club respects the players’ desire for regular first‑team football, it is prepared to let them depart if a suitable offer emerges.
"When a player wants to play first‑team football and they’re not guaranteed a starting shirt, the club will not stand in their way if the offer is acceptable," Maresca said, drawing a parallel with young goalkeeper James Trafford’s situation. Maresca added that City will need to replace at least one of the departing players, and would likely aim to bring in two replacements to maintain squad depth.
He cautioned that the timing is challenging, as the transfer window is set to close in less than a fortnight, leaving limited opportunity to secure high‑profile signings for such pivotal roles. Tottenham’s pursuit of a new striker is driven by a clear tactical vision.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi wants a forward who can not only finish with clinical efficiency but also drop deep to facilitate link‑up play, creating space for wingers and attacking midfielders to exploit. The club’s scouting network has identified several profiles that match this description, ranging from physically imposing target men to more mobile, technically adept forwards.
Beyond the immediate transfer chatter, the broader context of the Premier League market this summer has been shaped by inflated fees, wage pressures and a scramble among clubs to secure talent before the window shuts. Tottenham’s willingness to invest heavily reflects both the ambition of the ownership group and the belief that strengthening the attacking unit is essential for competing on multiple fronts, including the league, domestic cups and European competition. In summary, while the negotiations for Savinho and Omar Marmoush are still underway, Tottenham’s overall transfer strategy remains aggressive and multi‑layered. The club is prepared to act quickly on several targets, contingent upon the outcomes of other deals in the market.
Should the preferred options prove unattainable, Spurs have identified credible alternatives and possess the financial resources to bring them in, ensuring that their attacking lineup will be refreshed and competitive for the upcoming season.