Tottenham Ready to Smash Transfer Record for Gakpo as De Zerbi Plots Summer Overhaul

Roberto De Zerbi is getting the backing he needs at Tottenham this summer, and the club's hierarchy clearly recognises that two consecutive 17th-place finishes simply won't do. The overhaul is already underway, with Andy Robertson through the door and Marcos Senesi set to follow.

The Lilywhites are also locked in negotiations over Palhinha, with Bayern Munich's €30m option to buy on the table. However, Tottenham reckon they can get the Portugal midfielder for less, and crucially, Palhinha is prioritising a move to North London over a return to Sporting CP.

Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke is another target, with Spurs preparing to improve on an initial opening offer of roughly £40m. Meanwhile, talks with Manchester City over Savinho are progressing, with the winger expected to cost between £50m and £60m.

But it's the pursuit of Cody Gakpo that's raising eyebrows. The Liverpool forward is reportedly dissatisfied at Anfield following the departure of fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, and according to reports from the Netherlands, he now wants out.

Record-Breaking Bid on the Cards

According to Spanish sources, Tottenham are preparing to go all-in for Gakpo with a bid of €85m—£73.5m—that would obliterate their previous transfer record. Dominic Solanke's move from Bournemouth (£65m with add-ons included) would be superseded.

De Zerbi's admiration for Gakpo is longstanding rather than opportunistic. The Italian manager values the 27-year-old's power, his finishing ability, his intelligence in finding space, and his capacity to link up with attacking midfielders and full-backs. In Tottenham's new setup, Gakpo could operate across multiple attacking roles—left winger, second striker, or a mobile focal point in tougher encounters.

Liverpool won't be shifting their prize asset without serious resistance. The Reds know Gakpo remains a valuable commodity with Premier League pedigree and several years of top-level football ahead of him. The €85m valuation reflects both his quality and the difficulty of prising him away from Anfield.

Tottenham's strategy is clear: strike quickly with a substantial offer to avoid a protracted negotiation that might invite interest from other European clubs, particularly if Gakpo's willingness to depart becomes public knowledge.