Tottenham have launched a late push to transform Roberto De Zerbi’s attack before the summer transfer window closes.
Much of Spurs’ earlier business concentrated on strengthening other areas of the squad. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arrived to reshape the midfield after completing mega-money moves, while Jan Paul van Hecke added another option in defence.
The focus has now switched firmly towards the final third.
Tottenham have spent the last fortnight exploring several ambitious moves, with Man City pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush closing in on moves to north London.
Spurs have already agreed a deal worth up to £85 million for Savinho, and the Brazilian is now expected to complete his medical before putting the finishing touches to the transfer.
It would bring an end to a long, 12 month pursuit after Tottenham also tried to sign him from City during the previous summer window.
Savinho is not the only attacker Spurs have been chasing, not by a long way.
Talks over Marmoush have progressed alongside the negotiations for the winger, with a transfer reportedly edging closer. The Guardian claims a deal for the Egypt international could be worth around £75 million.
Cody Gakpo also remains on Tottenham’s radar.
Spurs have been considering another approach for the Liverpool forward, although the Reds have shown little desire to sell without securing a suitable replacement.
That sudden burst of activity follows reports that Tottenham wanted to add as many as three forwards before the deadline.
Savinho is set to fill the wide role, while Marmoush would give De Zerbi another option through the middle and across the front line.
De Zerbi ‘besotted’ with Savinho after Tottenham seal £85m deal
The strength of De Zerbi’s belief in Savinho has now been underlined by Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe.
O’Keefe claims the Italian is personally thrilled by his arrival and is under the serious belief that he could be a genuinely transformative signing for the north Londoners.
Those words offer a clear indication that Savinho is not simply a club signing, he’s a player who De Zerbi sees as a major part of his plans and a player whose best football is still to come.
The 22-year-old can operate from either flank, although he is particularly comfortable starting on the right and moving inside onto his stronger left foot. His speed and willingness to attack defenders will also offer Tottenham a different threat in wide areas.
Regular football is also understood to have been an important factor in Savinho’s desire to leave City.
Competition for places limited his opportunities, while Tottenham can offer him a more prominent role under a manager determined to develop him.
The size of the fee will immediately bring expectations. However, De Zerbi’s excitement suggests he believes Savinho possesses the ability to justify that seismic investment.
If Marmoush follows him to north London and Tottenham maintain their interest in Gakpo, the final days of the window could completely reshape the club’s attack.
Savinho, though, appears to be the player De Zerbi is most eager to unleash.
