Cody Gakpo has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur's transfer shortlist this summer and, while Liverpool will hold out for top dollar, Spurs may test its resolve before the deadline
Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi(Image: 2026 Lewis Storey - Danehouse)
Roberto De Zerbi has refused to close the door on Liverpool star Cody Gakpo as the Tottenham Hotspur boss confessed he wants "one more" summer signing.
The Italian has already been busy in the market this term and brought as many as eight new faces including attacking options like Omar Marmoush and Savio from Manchester City and, of course, former Reds defender Andy Robertson.
Speculation this window has consistently linked Dutchman Gakpo with a potential move to North London but, as yet, there has been no concrete offer from Spurs for the player who found the net nine times and provided six assists last season. De Zerbi has now confirmed he wants another arrival in the door before the closure of the window.
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC
Cody Gakpo continues to be linked with an exit from Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
“I didn't expect a transfer window like we have done,” De Zerbi told reporters on Friday before his side's clash with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
“I think we can do one player more in one specific position. Yesterday we went to dinner with the owners, Johan [Lange, sporting director] and Vinai [Venkatesham, chief executive] and we spoke about this.
“All of us are on the same page and a very good connection.”
Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool head coach, was asked this week specifically about Gakpo's future and he did not confirm any plan to ship the goal scorer out the door.
But nor did the Spaniard offer any guarantees to the player regarding his chances of remaining at Anfield beyond Tuesday night's 11pm deadline.
He said: "I can say what I've said the past week. And even after the performance he had in the first game, I'll say the same again. He's playing very well for us, been very good since he came back from the World Cup and from his holidays.
"He's had a very good attitude and I hope we can keep him at that level because I think he has been very influential. When the market is open there's a lot of players, 30 players, you cannot guarantee anything with anyone.
"You never know who is going to arrive. I would like to know when the market finishes that we'll finish with this one, this one and this one, but I don't know.
"I don't know what's going to happen with any of our players, I can't guarantee anything. You think I can smell what we're going to sign, what positions, but experience shows you there's an opportunity on the last day, if it improves us let's take it."
Iraola's comments came as Liverpool close in on Paris Saint-Germain superstar Bradley Barcola.
A deal worth around $163million - with $136m of that figure guaranteed - has been agreed between the two clubs and only the signing of the contract by the wide player, as well as a medical, is left to be concluded.