Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as they look to strengthen their attack this summer
Tottenham have received a major boost in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo, with Liverpool reportedly set to open talks for two Paris Saint-Germain stars. It comes after Roberto De Zerbi hinted at a 'bomba', signalling a major announcement.
"In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark, no chance to say no," De Zerbi told football.london after the club's penalty shootout win over Sydney FC in pre-season last week.
"The transfer market, it's not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!"
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Gakpo has emerged as a target for the north Londoners, and Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs are preparing to move for the Dutchman, with talks expected to enter a key phase soon. Manchester City's Savinho and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson are also options as De Zerbi looks to bolster his frontline.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are pursuing two Paris Saint‑Germain players, Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, according to French outlet RMC Sport. Both players are said to be keen on the move to Anfield, and talks with PSG are expected to 'begin shortly.'
However, deals will not come cheap with Barcola valued at around £140m and Mbaye at £42m. Should the Merseysiders pull off both moves, the club may be more open to letting Gakpo leave this summer to create space within Andoni Iraola's squad and balance the books, given both deals could come at an outlay of £182m.
The 27-year-old is viewed as an option alongside Manchester City's Savinho, who remains a priority target. However, any move for Gakpo would depend on Liverpool's stance and the fee involved, as the forward is not currently being pushed towards a sale.
De Zerbi has made it clear that Tottenham's summer business isn't finished yet. Spurs have already been active, bringing in Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka but more movement is expected.
The Italian boss, having hinted at a 'bomba' signing, then clarified the meaning behind the remark. "Yes, but bomba in Italian is different from bomba in English," De Zerbi added.
"You can write what you want, no problem, no pressure. But I said we have to complete the transfer market. I think we have some other players to complete the squad, and the players will be here in the next few days, for me, the top players.
"I don’t know if the expectations are bigger than two days ago, but we have to go forward and think of the good of the team of the club, of the squad. But in Italian it's a different word. I think Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Senesi, Robertson are bomba. For me, top player for us."
Gakpo featured 36 times in the Premier League for Liverpool last season, scoring seven goals during what proved to be a difficult campaign under former boss Arne Slot.
The Reds finished fifth in their attempt to reclaim the Premier League title, ending the season trophyless and leaving supporters frustrated by an often unimaginative style of play.