Manchester City have reportedly placed their sights on Cody Gakpo, the Dutch forward who is currently a key target for Tottenham Hotspur but remains under contract with Liverpool until 2030. The English champions are actively scouting ways to bolster their attacking options, especially as they anticipate the arrival of Savinho – and potentially also Omar Marmoush – who are expected to move to Tottenham in the near future. At this juncture, no formal discussions have taken place between the two clubs regarding a direct transfer for Gakpo. Liverpool have made it clear that they are not inclined to part with the 27‑year‑old striker at the moment.
The Merseyside side would likely feel comfortable letting him leave only if they could secure the services of two new wide‑forwards to replace his contributions on the flank. Gakpo’s recent performances have only reinforced Liverpool’s reluctance to sell; he started and found the net in the club’s Premier League opening fixture against Newcastle United last weekend, showcasing the kind of impact he can deliver on a regular basis.
City’s transfer strategy this summer appears to be multi‑pronged. In addition to the rumored interest in Gakpo, they have been actively pursuing a pair of promising talents from Paris Saint‑Germain – Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye – both of whom could add pace and creativity to Pep Guardiola’s side. Meanwhile, the club’s attempts to acquire Brighton’s winger Yankuba Minteh have so far been rebuffed, with several offers turned down by the Seagulls.
One of the more concrete moves already in motion is the verbal agreement reached with Brazilian side Palmeiras for the signing of 22‑year‑old winger Allan. The deal, valued at up to £34 million, consists of a fixed fee of £32 million with an additional £2 million in performance‑related add‑ons. Although the clubs have not yet exchanged the official paperwork, the agreement is expected to be formalised shortly, after which Allan will be permitted to travel for a medical examination. This signing is intended to fill the void left by Savinho, who is set to join Tottenham in a deal that could rise to £85 million following his recent medical.
The potential arrival of Omar Marmoush has also been a focal point of recent speculation. Sky Sports News reported that negotiations between City and Tottenham are nearing completion, with Marmoush having been named on the bench for City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, albeit he did not feature in the match.
Should the deal go through, Marmoush would add further depth to City’s wide‑area options, complementing the incoming Allan and providing Guardiola with a variety of tactical choices. City’s interest in Gakpo can be understood within the broader context of their ambition to refresh their forward line after a season that fell short of expectations.
While they have retained the services of established stars such as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, the club is keen to add a versatile attacker capable of operating across the front three, offering both goal‑scoring prowess and the ability to drift wide and create chances. Gakpo’s blend of physicality, technical skill, and finishing ability makes him an attractive prospect for a side that values fluid, attacking football. If Liverpool were to consider a sale, they would likely demand a substantial fee, reflecting Gakpo’s long‑term contract and his rising profile in both domestic and international football.
The Dutch international has also become a regular fixture for the Netherlands national team, further enhancing his market value. Any negotiation would have to balance Liverpool’s desire to retain a key player with the financial realities of the modern game, where clubs often need to reinvest proceeds from player sales to fund new acquisitions. In summary, Manchester City are actively exploring several transfer avenues to reinforce their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
While concrete progress has been made with the impending signing of Allan from Palmeiras and the near‑completion of a deal for Omar Marmoush, the pursuit of Cody Gakpo remains in the speculative stage, with no formal club‑to‑club talks reported yet. Liverpool’s stance appears firm – they are unwilling to part with Gakpo unless they can secure suitable replacements for his role. As the summer transfer window unfolds, fans can expect further developments on multiple fronts, with City’s strategic moves potentially reshaping the landscape of the Premier League’s attacking talent pool.