LiveScore

Omar Marmoush is keen on joining Tottenham Hotspur, with TEAMtalk understanding that the Egyptian forward is open to leaving Manchester City in search of regular first-team football.

Spurs opened talks with City over Marmoush earlier this week and have quickly established themselves as a serious option for the 27-year-old striker.

Marmoush joined Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for around £60million and made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. However, much of his football came from the wing rather than the central role he had occupied in Germany.

Last season was Marmoush’s first full campaign in England, but he managed only three Premier League goals and three assists, with competition for places becoming increasingly strong.

When Marmoush arrived at The Etihad, he knew opportunities in the central striker role would be limited because of Erling Haaland. Since then, City’s attacking options have increased further, with Antoine Semenyo arriving while Jeremy Doku enjoyed his strongest season since moving to England.

TEAMtalk understands new City head coach Enzo Maresca is happy with Marmoush and would have no issue keeping him, but the forward has been made aware that he would not be first choice in the central role he wants.

That has led Marmoush to consider his options, with Tottenham now providing a route towards the regular football he is seeking.

City are prepared to consider his departure, but sources indicate they want to recover at least the £60million they paid Frankfurt.

DON’T MISS: Every completed Tottenham transfer in summer 2026: Signings, sales, loans

Tottenham nearing spectacular double raid on Man City

The Marmoush discussions are developing alongside Tottenham’s talks with City over Savinho, with Spurs prepared to spend around £140million on the two players combined if they can reach agreement.

Personal terms have already been discussed with Marmoush’s representatives and we understand his camp are happy with what they have heard from Tottenham.

Other clubs, including Barcelona, have made enquiries about Marmoush this summer, but remaining in the Premier League and securing regular first-team football is a major attraction to the Egypt international.

Marmoush would also be expected to become an important part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in north London, potentially alongside Savinho as Spurs continue to reshape their attack.

Tottenham also retain an interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who is similarly understood to be open to moving to north London.

However, Liverpool are proving much more difficult to negotiate with, particularly while their own pursuit of Bradley Barcola remains unresolved.

For Marmoush, the next step is now with the clubs, with Tottenham keen to continue talks and City prepared to consider a deal should their valuation be met.

Tottenham Hotspur made six signings this summer transfer window including three of the blockbuster variety in Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes. With those three additions that were specifically pushed hard by manager Roberto De Zerbi, the Lilywhites have a much stronger spine to their team and will be able to play at a high level in possession to the liking of manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The problem is that while Spurs now have a spine in the midfield and have fortified their defense to the point where Cristian Romero and Djed Spence won't be missed with Van Hecke and Marcos Senesi effectively replacing him two for one, they still don't have enough quality in terms of converting the chances.

Over the last few years, Tottenham have lost two of their best ever players in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. These are two of the greatest Premier League players of all time, particularly from the perspective of scoring goals. Last season, only Richarlison scored double digit goals in the Premier League, and nobody else came even close to the former Brazil national team starter.

Tottenham have made zero progress

Tottenham spent 65 million pounds on striker Dominic Solanke in 2024. He has been a bust. On the left wing, they literally have only one player in that position in Mathys Tel, and while he is highly promising, especially in a squad coached by Roberto De Zerbi, he isn't ready to be a starter for a team with top five Premier League aspirations yet.

Spurs came into the 2025/26 Premier League season needing a new striker and a left winger after Son's departure compounded the Kane loss they never replaced. And all they had to show for their efforts was bringing in an all time transfer flop in Randal Kolo Muani on loan while literally failing to sign a single left winger to pair with the young Tel.

With Tottenham facing less than week until their 2026/27 Premier League season opener against local rivals Brentford and less than two weeks until the official close of the summer 2026 transfer window, the Lilywhites still have not signed a single forward. They are pushing hard to sign both Cody Gakpo and Savinho from other Big Six clubs but have been met with significant resistance. And when it comes to the striker position, there is not a single player Spurs have been in active talks for this summer despite links to the likes of Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea and Monaco star Folarin Balogun from the United States. Spurs are still in dire need of stars in the attack, just as they were last year and the year before.

Tottenham Hotspur signed former Liverpool star Andy Robertson in free agency, inking the legendary Premier League left back to a big contract. And now that Djed Spence has joined reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan, Robertson is the new No. 2 at the left back position.

He could get major minutes in the 2026/27 Premier League season for Spurs, because the starting left back, Destiny Udogie, suffered a lot of injuries last season and still isn't fully 100 percent. While it took Robertson time to get up to speed, by the end of the preseason, he looked a lot better than he did last season or even the season before for Liverpool when they won the English top flight.

At 32 years of age, Robertson is out to prove that he is not finished despite his grim end to things at Liverpool, and while Tottenham Hotpsur fans have been skeptical about what Robbo can provide them, he showed against Hoffenheim that there is more than just leadership he can bring to the table.

Andy Robertson has amazing football IQ

Talking about his assist for Richarlison, Robbo's insight on why he made that pass and the decision that went into it reveals a thought process that can really benefit Roberto De Zerbi's team next season.

Andy Robertson told reporters, via Chris Cowlin, “I think it's just what you see in that moment. When the ball is on its way to you, you kind of look up, You kind of see what situation is going on there. So, I felt as the defenders were dropping a little bit, it was better to not flash it. I think the one before that, I tried to flash across the face of goal. Richy’s smart, as well, so when he sees the defenders drop, he then checks back a little bit. Sometimes, when everyone's dropping back, it's best to go against the movement. It's just really what you see and you can change it all the time. Sometimes you put it in the ‘corridor’, and sometimes you have to cut it back a little bit. In the split second, there's so many thoughts that go through your head. It's up to you to make the right decision. Luckily, I made it this time and, hopefully, I make the right decisions more often than not! It was great for Richy to score this time.”

Richarlison is likely to stick around as the top striker for Tottenham with no incoming transfers, as Richy greatly improved in the 2025/26 Premier League season with 11 goals on a terrible team. Robertson can provide Richy with more pinpoint crosses at the right time, and not only will his veteran know how help Spurs score more goals, but he can also teach and groom Souza into the next big thing by teaching him how to think through plays like that.

The 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway on Friday as defending champions Arsenal host promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.

With that, we’ve taken a look at a key player for every top-flight club. Having already run through Arsenal to Fulham in part one, part two takes us from Hull through to Tottenham Hotspur.

Premier League 2026/27: Key Player for Every Club - Part One, Arsenal to Fulham

Hull - Jens Hjertø-Dahl

Hull signed Jens Hjertø-Dahl earlier this month, but the expectation is he’ll quickly establish himself as a key man for the Tigers. The rangy 6ft4in Norwegian should adjust to the rigours of Premier League football. Hull will need the youngster to hit the ground running to boost their survival hopes. He heavily influences play at both ends of the pitch, utilising his frame to win the ball back and power forward through the midfield. How Hjertø-Dahl fares this season may well determine whether Hull beat the drop or not.

Ipswich - Issa Diop

Ipswich splashed the cash to lure Issa Diop from Fulham to Portman Road. The Morocco international brings the relevant Premier League experience that’ll boost the Tractor Boys’ chances of consolidating a top-flight spot. The 29-year-old struggled for regular minutes at Craven Cottage, yet showcased his quality at the 2026 World Cup as the Atlas Lions made it to the quarter-finals in North America. The centre-back could prove a shrewd addition to the Ipswich backline.

Leeds - Jaka Bijol

Jaka Bijol signed for Leeds last summer following an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Slovenia. It took some time for the 27-year-old to work his way into Daniel Farke’s starting XI, but he became a mainstay in the side once the Leeds boss moved to a three-man defence. The Yorkshire side boasted a better win ratio with Bijol starting (33.3% to 23.5%) while goals conceded per game dropped from 1.59 to 1.38. Expect Bijol to play another key role for the Whites in the coming campaign.

Liverpool - Virgil van Dijk

Another centre-back to feature, however Virgil van Dijk has a huge task on his hands in the coming campaign. As Liverpool captain, he’ll be Andoni Iraola’s lieutenant on the pitch. Not only will he be marshalling a side under new management, he’ll be commanding an inexperienced backline. Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate left for Tottenham and Real Madrid, respectively. Milos Kerkez endured a so-so debut campaign on Merseyside, while young Jeremy Jacquet is expected to partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence. Iraola will call on the Dutchman’s leadership qualities to ensure a smooth transition between managerial regimes.

Manchester City - Phil Foden

Phil Foden struggled for consistency in the Premier League last season. So much so that it cost him a World Cup spot. Conversely, a summer off means Foden has had the chance to recharge his batteries ahead of what will be a crucial campaign for Manchester City. It’s been all-change for the Cityzens in the off-season. Pep Guardiola’s 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium came to an end. John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Rodri all left. New head coach Enzo Maresca will look to Foden among others to boost City’s chances of a successful debut season under the Italian.

Manchester United - Kobbie Mainoo

Bruno Fernandes was Manchester United’s star player last season, but it was no coincidence that their form improved once Kobbie Mainoo returned to the first-team setup. Ostracised by former boss Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick relied heavily on the England star to provide the link between the defence and attack. Now that Casemiro has left and Manuel Ugarte is sidelined for the foreseeable future, there is plenty riding on Mainoo to shoulder the midfield burden in Carrick’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup.

Newcastle - Nick Woltemade

Newcastle have endured a difficult summer having sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe also departed, with Matthias Jaissle appointed his replacement. The German’s arrival should benefit a number of squad players, none more so than striker and compatriot Nick Woltemade. The German enjoyed a solid start to life at St. James’ Park but went off the boil as Howe struggled to get the best out of the club’s record signing. With Jaissle now in charge, we may yet see Woltemade play to the best of his ability.

Nottingham Forest - Ousmane Diomande

Nottingham Forest pulled a bit of a rabbit out of the hat with the appointment of Oliver Glasner. The Austrian is expected to implement a three-man backline at the City Ground, with Ousmane Diomande a crucial final piece of the defensive puzzle. The Ivorian will line up alongside Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo at the back in what should be a hugely effective back three. Diomande’s distribution is key, while his recovery pace should mask Milenkovic’s physical shortcomings across the ground.

Sunderland - Trai Hume

A full-back by trade, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris used Trai Hume as a winger on occasion last season. The addition of the experienced Thomas Meunier suggests that Hume will feature further forward more frequently in the coming campaign. The Northern Ireland international may have managed just three goal involvements in the Premier League last season. However, he’s shone in pre-season and could prove a handy attacking outlet for the Black Cats in 2026/27.

Tottenham - Pedro Porro

Mikey Moore’s proposed loan move to Cologne has reportedly been delayed, with Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi said to be blocking the deal from being finalised until the club add attacking reinforcements.

According to BILD Rhineland via Sport Witness, the young winger is close to another temporary move after spending last season on loan at Rangers. Cologne are understood to be waiting for Tottenham’s approval before the transfer can proceed.

Tottenham’s attacking plans are holding up the move

The reported obstacle is Tottenham’s desire to strengthen their attacking options before allowing Moore to leave. De Zerbi is said to want another attacking signing in place before sanctioning the loan.

That leaves Moore’s prospective move dependent on Tottenham’s transfer business rather than an issue with Cologne’s interest. The report indicates that the Bundesliga club remain calm about the situation.

Cologne still expect Moore to arrive

Cologne are still said to expect the season-long loan to go through at a later date. The proposed deal has therefore not been presented as abandoned, but as delayed while Tottenham assess their attacking depth.

For now, Moore remains at Tottenham as the club consider potential additions. Any approval for his move to Cologne is expected to follow progress on those attacking reinforcements.

Tottenham Hotspur are struggling to sign a truly great attacking player this summer transfer window. They have zeroed in on Cody Gakpo and Savinho from Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively, targeting quality players at Big Six clubs who can be even better with more responsibility and a more fitting role under Roberto De Zerbi. But despite months of negotiations, Spurs continue to strike out empty on their preferred targets.

Meanwhile, Tottenham were able to successfully bring in three blockbuster Premier League players in other positions. Jan Paul van Hecke joined at center back for over 50 million pounds, while defensive midfield stars Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes will be the new franchise pieces of the foundation of the team for a combined 185 million pounds.

Spurs and De Zerbi were able to put their money where their mouth is and bag their top targets in the middle of the park, but when it comes to chasing the upper crust of forwards already playing at elite clubs, Spurs are finding it difficult to make some noise. And Gakpo and Savinho still are not world class players.

Tottenham need to win first

What Tottenham Hotspur are realizing is that top forwards are a different breed. The ones at elite clubs are hard to sign since elite clubs tend to not to want to sell top young forwards to other big clubs, especially if they, like Manchester City and Liverpool, happen to play in the same league.

Meanwhile, the ones coming up from clubs that are not elite are also difficult for Tottenham to sign, because they are being courted by elite clubs, like Eli Junior Kroupi and Yan Diomande, and likely prefer winning Champions Leagues with PSG and Real Madrid to not even being in the competition right now - let alone coming close to winning one.

What Tottenham are realizing is that signing the best and most coveted players in the game who can score goals and change games on their own in the attack is about more than having the desire to sign the player or having the money. The most important thing to these players - and, really, to anyone in sport - is winning, and Tottenham have yet to prove that they can win major trophies.

Sure, the Europa League is nice and important in its own right, but the best players in the world don't even want to compete in the Europa League at all. They want to win the Premier League and the Champions League, and it will come close to winning one of those in order for Spurs to sign the Vinicius Juniors, Eli Junior Kroupis, and Ferran Torreses of the world.

Today's best reads

Roberto De Zerbi may be trying to answer the big Savinho doubt with Cody Gakpo

Tottenham's most underrated change from the Daniel Levy era needs to be capitalized on

Tottenham fans can see through the false narrative the media is already planting about summer window

Tottenham are shaping up to have a huge problem vs. Brentford

Tottenham are waiting for first domino to fall in Cody Gakpo pursuit

Chelsea have placed an eye-watering £100million price tag on Pedro Neto amid interest from Al-Hilal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, while sources have informed TEAMtalk of the approach Xabi Alonso has taken over the proposed sale of the Portuguese star.

The Blues have received a number of enquiries about the Portugal international this summer, while Neto’s representatives have been open to the possibility of the winger leaving Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.

However, TEAMtalk understands new head coach Xabi Alonso is in no hurry to lose Neto and Chelsea’s footballing hierarchy are of the same view.

That stance has led Chelsea to place a £100million (€117m, $135m) valuation on the former Wolves winger, with the club making it clear that any potential suitor would need to make a major commitment to take him away.

Manchester City and Tottenham have both asked about Neto, while Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have gone further by making a firm approach worth around £60million.

That proposal was nowhere near Chelsea’s current valuation and was not enough to convince the club to consider a sale.

Chelsea take clear stance on Pedro Neto sale

Neto has been heavily involved under Alonso throughout pre-season and TEAMtalk understands Chelsea currently expect him to play a substantive role for them this season.

The situation could change if Chelsea decide to lower their demands in the final weeks of the transfer window, particularly if another major offer arrives.

For now, though, the message from Stamford Bridge is clear: Neto is not being pushed out, and it will take £100million to seriously test Chelsea’s resolve.

City, Tottenham and Al-Hilal remain interested, but unless one of them moves significantly closer to Chelsea’s valuation, Neto is expected to stay and become an important part of Alonso’s plans across the Spaniard’s first season in charge.

Since joining the Blues, Neto has 19 goals and 19 assists from 103 games for Chelsea – a G/A every 2.7 matches.

Neto is not the only Chelsea star on Man City’s radar, with new Cityzens boss Enzo Maresca also chasing a reunion with two other Blues players.

One of those, in Enzo Fernandez, could yet go through, with sources detailing three reasons why a move to the Etihad could be on the cards for the Argentinian midfielder this summer.

Tottenham are looking to bring in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after securing the departure of Guglielmo Vicario, according to reports.

The north Londoners have so far signed Andy Robertson (free, Liverpool), Marcos Senesi (free, Bournemouth), Jan Paul van Hecke (£52m, Brighton), Martin Dubravka (free, Burnley), Mateus Fernandes (£85m, West Ham) and Sandro Tonali (£92.5m, Newcastle United) as they look to give Roberto De Zerbi the tools to be a success this season.

Tottenham avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season last term and the Spurs board are doing everything they can to avoid the same situation this coming campaign.

As well as getting players in the door, Spurs are also looking to move several players on with Fabrizio Romano giving his ‘here we go’ confirmation to a move to Juventus on Monday.

Romano posted on X: ‘Juventus agree deal to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham, here we go! Spurs accept loan proposal with buy option clause – not mandatory. Vicario wanted the move and leaves #THFC today. New goalkeeper for Juventus.’

Another reliable journalist David Ornstein, also confirmed the Italian’s imminent departure, he wrote on X: ‘Tottenham Hotspur accept Juventus bid for Guglielmo Vicario. Proposal sent overnight; loan + option to buy 29yo #THFC goalkeeper next summer. All parties expect signing of Italy int’l by #Juve to go ahead after Martinez pursuit called off @TheAthleticFC.’

READ: Chelsea lead Spurs, Real Madrid as biggest spenders of the 2026 summer transfer window

And now Tottenham are looking to bring in a replacement, despite having Antonin Kinsky at the club, with Football Insider claiming that Spurs have ‘made a move’ for Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez, whose deal to Juventus recently collapsed.

The report adds: ‘Roberto De Zerbi’s side are exploring a deal for the 33-year-old Argentina shot-stopper after agreeing to sell Guglielmo Vicario to Juventus.’

It is understood that Aston Villa are ‘open’ to allowing Martinez to join another club this summer, especially after sealing a deal to sign Zion Suzuki from Parma.

READ: Man City’s midfield, Man Utd’s defence, Tottenham’s attack: 10 gaping holes and concerns in PL squads

Football Insider insists that it is ‘believed that Suzuki will come straight in to the starting line-up in the 2026-27 campaign’ and Martinez ‘could now be set for a move across the Premier League’.

De Zerbi blocks Moore loan exit from Tottenham

Another player who could leave Tottenham in the summer transfer window is young winger Mikey Moore – who spent last season on loan at Rangers – and BILD Rhineland (via Sport Witness) have revealed that he is on the verge of another temporary move, this time to Cologne.

However, Tottenham head coach De Zerbi is said to be blocking the deal being finalised until Spurs bring in their own attacking reinforcements.

There is said to be no panic in Cologne with the season-long loan deal for Moore still expected to go through at a later date.

READ NEXT: Big Six squad depth test: First and second-choice XIs underline ridiculous Arsenal dominance

Tottenham have said their goodbyes to Djed Spence this summer, with the full-back joining Inter Milan in a €30m deal.

Spence's stock soared after the World Cup, with his recovery challenge on Giuliano Simeone in England's semi-final against Argentina one of those moments that'll be ingrained in English football consciousness in perpetuity, even though the Three Lions collapsed to a 2-1 defeat.

Despite his stellar tournament, Roberto De Zerbi has never quite taken to him. An outstanding one-on-one defender and athlete, Spence, of course, has his uses, but there are limitations that plenty have swept under the carpet amid the dismay over his departure.

For what De Zerbi wants to achieve, especially in possession, Spence just isn't a great fit.

Still, his exit begs the question as to whether Spurs will add another full-back to their ranks before the transfer deadline arrives. We're well stocked at left-back, but Archie Gray is currently Pedro Porro's deputy at right-back.

If we are to sign a replacement this summer, they'd likely operate in reserve to our latest World Cup winner. Here are three options the club could consider.

There have been links to Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams in this transfer window, with the Welshman discussed as a potential target when it became clear that Spence was on the chopping block.

There aren't too many full-backs who profile like Spence, but Williams isn't too dissimilar. He's a sturdy and unspectacular profile, who's secure and safe in possession, and is athletic enough to get up and down the pitch effectively.

Right-footed, Williams, like Spence, oddly performs better down the left. He's even started to take set-pieces at Forest, highlighting his technical quality.

Being homegrown, the 25-year-old should appeal. Perhaps Spurs would consider a part-exchange if Forest come back in for Lucas Bergvall.

Given the make-up of the squad and our current stack of non-homegrown players, I find it unlikely that if we do sign a full-back this summer, they won't classify as homegrown.

Still, given that we won't be signing Lewis Hall or Tino Livramento, I'd thought I'd through a couple of exotic names into the mix, perhaps for future reference.

I've watched a fair amount of Club Brugge in recent years, especially when Nicky Hayen was at the helm. They've pulled off a couple of notable results in the Champions League, and have stockpiled an impressive array of exciting young talent.

In this window, we've seen Christos Tzolis (Arsenal), Alexander Stanković (Inter Milan), Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt) secure moves to Europe's premier divisions and some of the continent's biggest clubs. Last year, Arshon Jashari (AC Milan) moved onto pastures new, while Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland) arrived on English shores.

Left-back Joaquin Seys will almost certainly earn a big move soon, with Manchester United currently interested. Seys is slight in stature, but a Duracell bunny-like presence down the left flank and has also made 37 senior appearances at right-back. De Zerbi would love his versatility.

Again, another potential replacement for 2027. Givairo Read is committed to Feyenoord for the time being.

Still, it won't be long until the young right-back has garnered Europe's attention. We're talking about a soon-to-be star who'll almost certainly rank among the finest at his position.

The 20-year-old had a relatively quiet 2025/26 season due to a hamstring injury, but broke through superbly the campaign prior. Read excelled in the Champions League, particularly against AC Milan over two legs, when he paid close attention to Rafael Leão.

He's a hybrid full-back who's proficient on the overlap. Technically excellent with the ball at his feet, Read is a pinpoint crosser who can also manipulate possession to wriggle out of tight spots and combine beyond pressure.

Roma and Nottingham Forest tried and failed to sign him this summer. He's certainly one to keep an eye out for in 2026/27.

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo remains a priority target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and while sources can reveal how Roberto De Zerbi has personally managed to persuade the star to make the move, the north London side may need to act fast to ensure a £70m deal does not incur a last-ditch price hike.

The Merseyside giants are looking to mould a side capable of challenging for the game’s biggest prizes under new boss Andoni Iraola, with part of his grand plan involving a remodelling of his attacking unit.

With Mohamed Salah having left on a free transfer and with Bradley Barcola very much the subject of Liverpool interest, the prospect of a double raid on PSG – and with our transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey revealing on Monday how a double agreement had been reached – could leave Gakpo having to leave Anfield.

The Dutch winger has been a relatively consistent source of goals for Liverpool since he arrived from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, but suffered, like so many of his teammates, a sizeable drop-off in form last season as the Reds stumbled to a fifth-placed finish.

As a result, Gakpo could find himself forced out this summer if the Reds are successful in their quest to land Barcola, and with sources revealing the golden promise De Zerbi has made to Gakpo should he move to Spurs, a move to the capital is one to watch in the final days of the summer window.

Any move to Tottenham is likely to cost in the region of £70m (€82m, $90m), a fair price given some of the staggering sums floating around the Premier League this summer and reflective of the fact that the 27-year-old is contracted to Anfield until June 2030.

However, a report on Liverpool.com suggests FSG could rethink that valuation and may now look to land an inflated fee to sell Gakpo to Spurs, citing a rival deal that Chelsea are currently negotiating as a new barometer for Gakpo.

Indeed, with Portuguese winger Pedro Neto currently the subject of transfer talks over a deal to take him to Al-Hilal for £100m ($117m, $135m), that is a whopping £30m higher price than Gakpo and for a player whose stats don’t actually measure up quite as strongly over the last three seasons.

In fact, while Gakpo scored one fewer goal than Neto across all competitions in 2025/26, the Dutchman significantly outperformed the Chelsea man for goals in 2024/25; a season in which he finished as a Premier League champion.

Indeed, since joining the Reds, Gakpo has 50 goals and 23 assists from 180 appearances – a G/A every 2.465 games.

Neto, a year younger than the Liverpool man, has, by contrast, 19 goals and 19 assists from 103 games for Chelsea -a G/A every 2.7 matches.

READ NEXT: Cody Gakpo tells Liverpool he wants Tottenham move with terms AGREED and giant bid readied – Exclusive

Gakpo transfer to Tottenham could go right to the wire

As things stand, however, a transfer to north London does not look close. Gakpo put in a good performance against Como on Sunday as Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners, with the Dutchman netting a goal and an assist, and, as things stand, looks set to start the Premier League opener at Newcastle on Sunday.

Talks, while having taken place between player and London club, have not yet begun on a club-to-club basis, meaning a deal is not as advanced as some have suggested.

However, with Barcola in their sights and with Liverpool also in talks to sign his PSG teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye, there is a strong feeling around Anfield that Gakpo could soon become surplus to requirements – and available for transfer in the closing days of the summer window.

But whether Liverpool will demand a bigger fee than the current £70m being floated about remains to be seen, though given the potential of seeing Neto leave for Saudi Arabia in a significantly higher deal, it could yet cause a rethink.

Either way, journalist David Lynch believes Liverpool could be planning for life after Gakpo by targeting two wingers this summer.

Speaking on the Anfield Index podcast, he explained: “One thing you can say is Liverpool want two, particularly if they’re going to let Gakpo go.

He added: “One of them I expect to be Barcola.”

“Who the other one is? Maybe Mbaye, but maybe not…”

On the subject of Barcola, Lynch has revealed his great optimism that a deal in the region of £125m will be struck to bring the Frenchman to Anfield this summer, suggesting it’s a case of when, not if.

The good news continues for Liverpool, too, after our major revelation on Monday that personal terms have already been agreed with both Barcola and Mbaye over long-term contracts at Anfield.