Manchester City Target Cody Gakpo as Transfer Deadline Approaches

Manchester City have set their sights on Cody Gakpo as the transfer window ticks towards its frantic close, with the Premier League champions exploring whether Liverpool might be persuaded to part with the Dutch forward.

According to ESPN, City have made enquiries about Gakpo’s potential availability, sounding out the player’s situation as they weigh up late-window options. There has been no formal approach to Liverpool and no bid on the table yet, but the interest is real and growing.

Savinho exit forces City’s hand

Savinho’s move to Tottenham has left a clear gap in City’s attacking armoury. One winger out, and suddenly depth looks fragile for a side expected to fight on every front across a long, draining season.

That is why Gakpo’s name has moved up City’s list. The 25-year-old has just reminded everyone of his cutting edge, starting and scoring in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle, a timely showcase of his movement and finishing at a moment when clubs are scrambling for attacking quality.

Liverpool dig in – for now

Liverpool’s stance so far this summer has been firm: Gakpo is not for sale. The club see him as a key part of their forward rotation and have resisted any suggestion of cashing in.

But that position is not set in stone. Inside Anfield, work is ongoing to reinforce the frontline, and any successful move for a new attacker could change the picture quickly.

The Reds are in active talks over Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola as they hunt for fresh firepower. They have also already seen two separate bids rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion for winger Yankuba Minteh, underlining how aggressively they are trying to reshape their attacking options.

If Liverpool land their targets, a door might open. City know it, and so do the other clubs circling.

Tottenham lurking in the background

City are not alone in this chase. Tottenham, fresh from snapping up Savinho, have also shown concrete interest in Gakpo this summer and are watching developments closely.

Any hint that Liverpool are ready to listen would trigger a scramble. City would have to move fast, armed with financial muscle but facing a rival who have already dealt with both Savinho and Liverpool this window.

Alternative wide options on City’s radar

Gakpo is high on the list, but not the only name. City are also considering Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as they scan the market for a wide forward who can slot straight into Pep Guardiola’s demanding system.

They have already acted in attack, agreeing a €40 million (£34m) deal with Palmeiras for Brazilian forward Allan on Monday. That move adds another weapon to their frontline, but the search for a winger continues, with Gakpo firmly in the conversation.

Midfield exodus forces major rebuild

While the focus publicly falls on Gakpo and the wide areas, City’s biggest structural problem might be in midfield.

Nico Gonzalez is closing in on a move to Newcastle, another significant departure from the Etihad. His exit would extend a remarkable clear-out in the middle of the park, following the departures of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders earlier in the window.

That is a core ripped out of Guardiola’s engine room. City know they cannot afford to leave those spaces unfilled.

Ayyoub Bouaddi arrives, Enzo Fernandez watched

To plug the gaps, City are driving hard on big-money deals. Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi has already arrived in Manchester to complete his €100m switch from Lille, a statement signing designed to anchor the next phase of their midfield.

Yet the recruitment drive is not stopping there. City are keeping a close eye on Enzo Fernandez’s situation at Chelsea, monitoring the Argentinian’s future as the deadline creeps closer. If Chelsea’s stance softens, City are ready to pounce.

All roads lead back to Gakpo

Amid the whirlwind of midfield surgery and attacking reshuffles, one thread runs through City’s late-window plans: they still want another forward, and Gakpo remains a serious option.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcola and Minteh could ultimately decide whether the Dutchman is prised away from Anfield. City, watching every development, are prepared to test that resolve if the opportunity appears.

With the clock ticking and squads being ripped up and rebuilt across the league, the question hangs over the final days of the window: will Gakpo be the next big name to walk through the doors at the Etihad Stadium?