Recent reports from journalist Florian Plettenberg confirm a key detail. Serge Gnabry never actually looked at a move to Tottenham Hotspur during this winter window. While various media outlets talked up a sensational return to North London, the German international stayed focused on his long-term future at FC Bayern.
Gnabry Commits Future to Bavaria as Spurs Links Fade
The Bavarian giants want to lock him down with a new contract extension. Both sides expect to wrap up the deal in the next few days. This news pretty much kills any hope for rival clubs. The player is still a staple of the team at the Allianz Arena under the current coaching staff.
Tactical Rationale and the Search for North London Reinforcements
Tottenham Hotspur are still hunting for players of Gnabry’s quality. Their interest shows how much they need more goals and assists from the wings. As of 1st February 2026, the Lilywhites are searching for more pace out wide to help their strikers. This need is even more urgent now because of recent injuries to key players.
Gnabry has that rare combination of raw pace and a killer instinct in front of goal. He has already racked up 15 goals and assists this season. Since the 30-year-old can play on either wing or even as a second striker, he is a perfect fit for the high-energy style which the Spurs bosses prefer.
Beyond that, the club probably saw Gnabry as a smart signing. He would have brought some much-needed experience to a squad that sometimes chokes in big games. This German winger has already shown he can tear apart English defences. He famously scored four goals in one game against Tottenham a few years back.
With that kind of history, Gnabry likely would have hit the ground running in the Premier League. He could have provided the spark Spurs need to stay in the top-four race. However, his deep ties to Arsenal were always going to be a problem. That emotional connection made a move to their biggest rivals a very tough sell.
Since the door is now shut on the Bayern winger, Spurs have to look elsewhere before the window closes. People are talking about interest in Raheem Sterling, who just became a free agent. They might also try to grab Moussa Diaby from the Saudi Pro League.
The scouts could also look at younger options like Omar Marmoush. These players could bring some life back to the wings. The board missed out on a big name like Gnabry, so they must move fast on these other targets. They can’t afford to lose steam during the final months of the season.