Tottenham's Bold Summer Transfers Under Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham’s summer under Roberto De Zerbi was always going to be busy. It has already become bold.
The Italian has wasted no time reshaping his defence, with three new faces through the door to stiffen a backline that too often buckled last season. Now the rebuild is moving up the pitch. And this phase is about statements.
Spurs have already tested the market with a punchy £75million offer for Sandro Tonali, only to be rebuffed by Newcastle United. They remain in the chase for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, a sign that De Zerbi wants more control and personality in the centre of the park.
But the real noise is coming from the forward line.
Gakpo enters the frame
Tottenham are exploring a move for Cody Gakpo, a player who has quietly become one of Liverpool’s most reliable attacking options and is now showcasing his form on the biggest international stage.
At Anfield last season, the 27-year-old barely missed a beat. He sat out only two Premier League matches through injury and started 32 of his 36 appearances under Arne Slot. Seven goals, five assists, and a direct goal involvement roughly every three games tell part of the story. The rest is in his versatility and work-rate across the front line.
That form has carried into international duty. Ronald Koeman named him in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and Gakpo has started the tournament sharply. He has already scored twice and added an assist in a ruthless 5-1 win over Sweden in their second group game, a performance that will not have gone unnoticed in boardrooms across Europe.
Liverpool’s position, though, is anything but straightforward.
Liverpool hold the leverage
Gakpo’s future at Anfield is uncertain, with reports indicating that Liverpool are at least willing to listen to offers this summer. They signed him in January 2023 for a fee believed to be between £35million and £45million, and any sale would be framed around recouping that outlay and, ideally, turning a profit.
They are in a strong position to demand it. Gakpo signed a new deal only last summer, a contract understood to be worth around £250,000 per week and running for another four years. With that length of commitment and his current form, Liverpool can afford to be choosy.
Every sharp touch he takes at the World Cup, every goal, every assist, only strengthens their hand.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Tottenham’s interest and the wider attention around the Dutchman. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he outlined the current state of play: Spurs and other clubs are probing, trying to find a route into negotiations, but Liverpool have yet to give any green light. The message from Anfield for now is simple – they remain very happy with Gakpo.
So timing becomes crucial. With the World Cup in full swing, Liverpool are in no rush to decide. Romano does not expect any immediate breakthrough, stressing that a move will not happen “today or tomorrow”. The tournament acts as both a shop window and a pause button.
For De Zerbi and Tottenham, that creates a test of resolve. How long do they wait for a player who fits the profile of a marquee forward signing, while they juggle other targets and a squad still under construction?
The chase is on, but Liverpool are dictating the pace.
