Player reiterates desire to join Tottenham as he misses training

Tottenham have spent heavily this summer, but the most important part of Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild may still be missing.

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have transformed the midfield, while Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have strengthened the defence, with Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka adding experience.

Spurs now need more punch at the other end.

Xavi Simons is recovering from a serious knee injury, Mohammed Kudus missed a sizeable part of last season and Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace in January.

Manor Solomon has also joined West Ham, leaving De Zerbi short of natural wide options.

That explains the long list of attackers linked with Tottenham. Cody Gakpo remains admired, while talks have reportedly been held around Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.

Georges Mikautadze and Omar Marmoush have also been discussed as targets, but Savinho is the player Spurs have kept coming back to since last summer.

REUTERS/Craig Brough

The Brazilian can attack from either flank, carry the ball through pressure and isolate defenders. Those qualities suit a coach who wants his team to stretch the pitch and play with courage.

Savinho only bagged one goal and two assists in 24 Premier League appearances, covering 821 top flight minutes, and that limited workload is central to his story.

He signed a new Man City contract until 2031 last October, giving the champions a strong negotiating position, yet the 22-year-old wants more regular football and believes Tottenham can provide it.

REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff

City have not made the deal easy, with reports suggesting they value him at around £65 million and want another winger secured before approving an exit.

Pedro Neto has been mentioned as one possible replacement. Spurs, meanwhile, could soon have fresh money available.

Cristian Romero is joining Atlético Madrid and Djed Spence is going to Inter Milan, with both deals agreed this week, as per Fabrizio Romano.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Now, Romano’s latest development has placed Savinho’s future back under the spotlight.

Savinho reiterates desire to join Tottenham this week as he misses Man City training

Romano says that the winger did not take part in City training on Thursday, and City sources have explained that he was absent because of illness, an update first reported by Sam Lee.

There is no evidence that Savinho stayed away to force a transfer, but the more significant part of Romano’s update is that Savinho has again made his preference clear to City this week: he wants to leave and join Tottenham.

That gives Spurs encouragement, but it doesn’t give them control, and City can still point to his long contract and demand full value.

Tottenham must decide whether to pay a premium for their leading winger target or move quickly towards one of the alternatives on their long list.

After a year of on and off interest and two summers of pursuits, Tottenham know the player is ready, but it is City’s answer that will decide whether this saga ends with Savinho in north London.