City eyes midfield upgrade while Tottenham battles for Gakpo
Manchester City need a new midfield engine after the departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva, prompting Enzo Maresca to target Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández; at the same time Tottenham, lacking a reliable striker, have set their sights on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, a player now also on the Citizens’ radar.
City accelerates talks for Fernández
Manchester City have stepped up negotiations for Enzo Fernández, the Chelsea midfielder, to reinforce a midfield that lost two key figures. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea’s asking price has risen from £120 million to £140 million in recent weeks. If the deal closes, the English club will add another high‑profile signing before the 1 September deadline.
Tottenham’s Gakpo pursuit heats up
Tottenham have not abandoned their pursuit of Cody Gakpo after Liverpool turned down an initial offer of around £60 million. The London club is preparing a fresh bid, but the situation has become more complex as the Citizens have entered the race for the Dutch forward.
Roberto De Zerbi sees Gakpo as a player capable of leading Tottenham’s attack, while Liverpool appear to be weighing a replacement, with PSG’s Bradley Barcola mentioned among possible alternatives.
Chelsea’s surprise omission of Enzo Fernández sparks transfer talk
Tottenham have also earmarked Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea as a plan B, a player De Zerbi previously coached at Shakhtar Donetsk and who could arrive on loan if Gakpo negotiations stall.
Other market moves include Richard Ríos, the 26‑year‑old Colombian midfielder, whose Benfica side is demanding over €30 million for a move to Italy, and Barcelona’s ongoing LaLiga‑related transfer puzzles involving striker Julián Alvarez and defender Alejandro Balde, with Marc Casadó and other names linked to potential exits.
Tottenham De Zerbi finds relief as Spurs bounce back in Cup
The transfer window closes on 1 September, meaning both City and Tottenham must finalize their respective deals quickly. City must meet Chelsea’s heightened fee, while Tottenham need to craft an offer that satisfies Liverpool and outbids the Citizens.