Manchester City have reportedly placed the Dutch forward Cody Gakpo on their transfer radar, despite the player currently being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The interest from the Premier League champions comes as they continue to search for ways to bolster an attacking line that has seen several changes this summer. City are already planning to bring in Savinho, and there is also strong speculation that fellow Brazilian Omar Marmoush could join the Tottenham squad, further reshaping the forward options at both clubs.
At this stage there have been no formal negotiations between Manchester City and Liverpool regarding Gakpo’s future. The Dutchman remains under contract with the Reds until 2030, and Liverpool have made it clear that they are not prepared to part with him unless they can secure two quality wide attackers as replacements.
The club’s stance suggests that any potential departure would require a significant overhaul of their flanking options, a scenario that would only materialise if a suitable package could be assembled. Gakpo, who is 27 years old, demonstrated his importance to Liverpool by starting and scoring in the Premier League opener against Newcastle United last weekend. His performance underscored his versatility – capable of playing across the front line, delivering goals, and providing a physical presence that has become a hallmark of his game.
Such attributes make him an attractive prospect for a team like City, which values adaptable forwards who can fit into Pep Guardiola’s fluid attacking philosophy. In addition to the Gakpo saga, Manchester City have been active on several other fronts in the transfer market.
They have been pursuing a pair of promising talents from Paris Saint‑Germain – Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye – both of whom are seen as potential long‑term solutions for the wing positions. Meanwhile, the club’s interest in Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh has already generated multiple rejected bids, indicating City’s willingness to spend heavily to secure the players they deem essential. A notable development is the verbal agreement that City have reached with Brazilian side Palmeiras for the signing of 22‑year‑old winger Allan. The deal, reportedly worth up to £34 million, consists of a fixed fee of £32 million with an additional £2 million in performance‑related add‑ons.
Both clubs have confirmed the agreement in principle, although the official paperwork has yet to be signed. Once the documentation is completed, Allan will be permitted to travel for a medical examination, after which the transfer should be finalized. Allan’s arrival is intended to fill the void left by Savinho, who is set to move to Tottenham in a deal that could rise to £85 million.
Savinho’s transfer was confirmed after he passed a medical examination last week, and his departure creates an immediate need for City to replace the Brazilian’s pace and creativity on the flanks. Allan, who has impressed with his dribbling and goal‑scoring instincts in Brazil’s top flight, is expected to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.
The potential inclusion of Omar Marmoush in Tottenham’s plans adds another layer of complexity to the transfer landscape. Sky Sports News reported that a deal for Marmoush was on the brink of completion between City and Spurs. Although Marmoush was named on the bench for City’s opening Premier League match against Bournemouth, he did not feature in the game, suggesting that his move may still be pending final approval.
City’s broader strategy appears to focus on constructing a squad with depth and versatility across all attacking positions. By securing Allan, potentially adding Barcola and Mbaye, and keeping an eye on Gakpo, the club aims to ensure that they have a variety of options to rotate and deploy depending on tactical requirements. The acquisition of high‑profile forwards like Savinho and the rumored interest in Gakpo also signal City’s intent to maintain their dominance domestically while remaining competitive on the European stage.
While Liverpool remain reluctant to let Gakpo go without adequate replacements, the pressure on the club could increase if City intensifies their pursuit. Should the Reds decide that a substantial financial package and a set of promising wingers are sufficient to offset the loss, a deal could eventually materialise, but for now the Dutchman’s future appears firmly tied to Anfield. In summary, Manchester City’s transfer agenda this summer is characterised by a blend of confirmed signings, such as Allan, and speculative targets, including Cody Gakpo, Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, and potentially Yankuba Minteh.
The club’s willingness to invest significant sums reflects their ambition to sustain success under Guardiola’s management, while Liverpool’s cautious approach to Gakpo highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike between squad stability and the financial realities of modern football. The next few weeks will likely reveal whether City’s interest in Gakpo translates into concrete negotiations, and how Liverpool will respond to the mounting external pressure.