De Zerbi insistent on Gakpo signing

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is pushing the club to complete a £37m move for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo before the transfer window slams shut next week, according to The Independent. The Italian tactician has identified the Dutch international as a priority target to bolster his attacking options.

Context: Spurs' poor start and Gakpo's situation

Tottenham have endured a woeful start to the Premier League season, with a leaky defence and a lack of creativity in the final third. De Zerbi, appointed in the summer, has struggled to implement his high-pressing style due to a lack of suitable wide players. Gakpo, who joined Liverpool in January 2023 for an initial £35m, has found regular first-team football hard to come by at Anfield, with the emergence of other attacking talents limiting his appearances. The 25-year-old has nonetheless shown flashes of his quality, particularly in European competitions, and his versatility to play across the front line makes him an attractive proposition.

Impact: What Gakpo would bring to Tottenham

Gakpo's arrival would provide De Zerbi with a direct, skilful winger capable of operating on either flank or through the middle. His dribbling ability and eye for goal would add a new dimension to Spurs' attack, which has looked predictable at times. The fee of £37m, while substantial, represents a reasonable investment for a player of his calibre, especially given the current market. This transfer could also have significant Fantasy Premier League implications, as Gakpo's price is likely to be set at around 7.0-7.5 million, and he could become a differential pick if he secures a starting spot. For Tottenham's title ambitions, which are currently bleak, a signing of this nature would signal intent and provide a boost to the squad and fans alike.

  • Gakpo has scored 15 goals in 55 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions.
  • He has won 19 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 8 goals.
  • His expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes last season was 0.42, highlighting his attacking threat.

What's next: The race against the clock

With the transfer deadline looming, Tottenham must act swiftly to secure Gakpo's signature. Liverpool are reportedly open to selling, but negotiations over the fee and add-ons could prove complex. De Zerbi's insistence may accelerate the process, but the club must also consider financial fair play constraints. If the deal fails to materialise, Spurs may have to look at alternative targets, but for now, all eyes are on this potential transfer that could define their season.

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