Tottenham have spent the summer rebuilding almost every part of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, but the missing piece is still staring them in the face.
Spurs need another winger.
Their midfield has been transformed by the arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, while Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have strengthened De Zerbi’s back line.
The attack has not received the same attention thus far, despite a plethora of reports linking them with high-profile forwards.
Mohammed Kudus remains an important option, but his injury problems last season showed why Tottenham cannot rely on one explosive winger to carry such a demanding role.
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has been discussed as a Spurs target, with Sky Sports reporting that Spurs admire the Liverpool forward, although the champions are reluctant to sell before finding attacking replacements of their own.
That difficult position has kept Savinho at the centre of Tottenham’s plans.
The Brazilian is lightning quick, brave in possession and happiest when isolated against a full-back. His ability to play on both sides would also give De Zerbi room to change shape and be more flexible with his starting lineups.
He is also proven in the Premier League and, at 22, remains young enough to improve quickly under a coach known for developing adventurous attacking players.
Savinho did not command a regular Premier League starting place at Man City last season, making 24 league appearances, including just seven starts, whilst scoring just one goal and providing two assists.
Those figures help explain why he is very attracted to the prospect of regular minutes at Tottenham.
Talks had previously centred on a deal worth around £60 million, but Tottenham have now reportedly decided to go much further.
Tottenham make £85m offer for Savinho as City dig their heels in
Globo journalist Cahê Mota now claims Spurs have formally offered £85 million for Savinho. The proposal is said to match the figure City wanted when negotiations began, yet no approval has been given.
Mota reports that City are continuing to resist despite the player making his wish to leave clear.
Savinho did not train on Thursday, although separate reporting in England said illness was the reason for his absence, so there is no firm evidence that he refused to take part.
However, Mota claims on X that Savinho is in a ‘standoff’ with the Sky Blues.
That distinction matters, but so does Tottenham’s bid.
An £85 million offer would turn a long-running pursuit, ongoing since last summer, into one of the biggest deals of the window. It would also leave City facing a serious decision over a player they tied down until 2031 only last October.
Tottenham have seemingly reached the price City originally wanted, but now they must discover whether that valuation was genuine or simply another barrier placed in front of them.
Savinho is pushing for the switch and De Zerbi wants the winger, and after weeks of groundwork, the pressure is now firmly on City to give Spurs an answer.
