Retooling the Attack
Written by Dustin Gentile https://x.com/White_Hart_Live
The 2026 summer transfer window has been one of great success so far for Tottenham Hotspur FC. The club has undergone a complete paradigm shift and spent big this summer. In addition to the free transfers of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Martin Dubravka, they have splashed out for the likes of Mateus Fernandes, John Paul van Hecke, and Sandro Tonali to the tune of £237m! Long gone seem the days of 2018 when Spurs went an entire summer window without spending a dime. Roberto De Zerbi and the club's board have demonstrated a clear ambition to invest heavily.
Despite their off-season transfer success, one area still has supporters scratching their heads: the attack. Spurs, simply put, left a lot to be desired in the goal-scoring department last season. The club had exactly one player register double- digit goals across all competitions (Richarlison). Furthermore, two of their top four goal scorers were defenders, and their second- (and possibly fourth-) leading goal scorers will not be playing in Lilywhite next season. While improved health should increase that goal total in the coming campaign, it is abundantly clear to even the most casual Spurs supporter that the club needs to bolster its front line. So who could the club work a deal for? Today on Spurs Daily, I want to talk about the four names that have been gaining traction and could provide a much-needed jolt to this attack!
THE LONG-LINKED WINGER
The first name on this list should be an easy guess: Savinho. The Brazilian winger has been linked with a move to Tottenham since last summer, but Manchester City has dragged its feet on a deal. With the Pep Guardiola era officially over at the Etihad, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Savinho would be headed to North London. In his most recent post about the situation, Fabrizion Romano stated, "Savinho wants to play more and develop in his career; [City] have been informed by the winger.
All in Man City's hands now. Tottenham have had Savinho at the top of their list, as has been revealed since May."
Multiple sources, including Romano and Football.London's Alasdair Gold, have indicated that City are simply waiting for a replacement before greenlighting his sale to Tottenham Hotspur. So why has it not happened yet? I honestly cannot give you a clear-cut answer. However, I am confident about two things: First, he would be a tremendous asset to the club's attack and fit nicely into De Zerbi's demand for direct, driving wingers. Second, the deal is going to get done. As soon as City relents, everything should fall into place.
A DOUBLE SCOOP FROM CITY?
Why settle for one attacker from Manchester City when you could have two? That is where Egyptian international Omar Marmoush enters the chat. His name has floated in and out of rumors during the World Cup, but momentum picked up when Alasdair Gold tweeted on Sunday (Aug. 2): "Director of Football Operations Rafi Moersen's previous experience at the City Football Group could prove valuable as Spurs pursue Savinho and potentially Omar Marmoush." This was accompanied by a report on Monday, Aug. 3, when Gold noted on his YouTube channel that Manchester City's Omar Marmoush is explicitly liked by Roberto De Zerbi. Together, these updates confirm a genuine interest in bringing the Egyptian to North London.
What excites me most about Marmoush is his versatility. Not only can he operate out wide, but he can also line up effectively in the number nine role. This flexibility could offer Savinho and Marmoush the opportunity to feature in attack together, just as they did during their time in Sky Blue. Given the brief preseason in North London, that existing chemistry could work wonders during this transition. Marmoush's name has also been linked directly with another high- profile attacking target...
MORE VERSATILITY FROM MERSEYSIDE
One target that has really picked up steam in the Spurs rumor mill is Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. Fresh off a strong performance at this summer's World Cup, the Dutch forward has been frequently linked with Spurs. This would be a landmark move: Gakpo brings a winning pedigree, a proven scoring record, and another versatile option to a Spurs side that desperately needs those qualities. Some may point to a dip in form during the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, but that could largely be attributed to the tactical transition following Jurgen Klopp's departure at Anfield.
The big question surrounding Gakpo is whether Liverpool will allow him to leave. The conversation intensified on Sunday, Aug. 2, when Fabrizio Romano reported that Spurs had made contact with Gakpo's agency, identifying him as an ideal fit for De Zerbi's system. While the interest is clear, the price appears to be the primary sticking point. Reports across multiple outlets—including Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, Ben Jacobs, and Fabrizio Romano—confirm that Gakpo will not come cheap.
Reports indicate Liverpool is seeking a fee of at least £72m, a baseline that reflects the fact that Gakpo still has four years remaining on his contract.
All is not lost, though. Spurs have made it clear that a failed attempt for the Dutch attacker will see them pivot immediately to Omar Marmoush. That said, securing Gakpo would represent another massive statement for the North London side. Yet, there may still be an even bigger blockbuster target on the horizon...
THE WHITE WHALE
While versatility is invaluable, Spurs are in desperate need of a true number nine. Since Harry Kane's departure, the club has been plagued by injuries up front, with both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison unable to string together a consistent run of games. Factor in Roberto De Zerbi's recent comments regarding Richarlison's uncertain future, and one thing becomes clear: it is time for Spurs to make a splash at striker. A name that would send shockwaves through the Premier League is the masked striker from Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen.
As first reported by Ekrem Konur and later confirmed by The Last Word on Spurs, Tottenham made an approach to sign the forward on Sunday, Aug. 2, with an opening bid in the range of £50m–£55m. Reports since indicate that Galatasaray is seeking a fee closer to £65m for the Nigerian international. This would be a home run for Spurs. Osimhen is a proven goal scorer in every league and competition he has played in.
Since the start of the 2019–20 season, Osimhen has tallied an impressive 153 goals in 215 competitive matches, including 26 goals across 37 Champions League and Europa League fixtures. While skeptics might argue the domestic total is inflated by league competition, his elite record on the continental stage is undeniable. He would be a transformative signing for a club determined to re-establish itself at the top of English football.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So who will ultimately land in North London? While targets remain fluid, I would venture to guess at least one—if not two—of these players will be donning a Spurs shirt before the window closes. Savinho seems to be the most imminent arrival, but any of the four would give Roberto De Zerbi a wealth of tactical options when crafting his team sheets this season. And frankly, that is a headache every Spurs fan hopes he gets to enjoy.
