Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca before the match
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca before the match
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed to GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness that Manchester City have held talks with Liverpool star Cody Gakpo over a possible move to the Etihad.
Gakpo's future has been the subject of speculation in recent months amid the Reds' pursuit of Bradley Barcola. They have finally landed the French winger, who is arriving at Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain in an £123 million package deal.
Barcola's arrival has pushed Gakpo closer to the exit door with just three days until the transfer window closes. The Dutch attacker started and scored in his side's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United last weekend but could be on the move.
City's main priority appears to be Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who Romano confirmed is ready to join and reunite with Enzo Maresca. But the Argentine might not be the only late arrival at the Etihad.
Romano: Man City in Talks With Gakpo
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the warm up before playing West Ham
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the warm up before playing West Ham
Gakpo has four years left on his contract with Liverpool, having joined the Merseyside outfit from PSV Eindhoven back in January 2023. While he's been a regular for the majority of his spell with the Reds, he looks set to drop out of Andoni Iraola's starting lineup for Barcola.
Romano delved into the 27-year-old's situation and City's interest in the player which has led to talks between the club and his representatives. He said on the latest episode of GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast:
"Manchester City are talking to the agents of Cody Gakpo again today. Cody already gave the green light on personal terms to Tottenham in July, so I still think Tottenham is the priority they have for Cody Gakpo."
Tottenham Hotspur have been pursuing Gakpo for several weeks but have yet to agree on a fee with Liverpool. He has given the North Londoners the green light and will be factoring in game time should he leave Anfield.
Roberto De Zerbi is keen on the Dutchman but his club have just signed two new attackers. Omar Marmoush and Savinho have both joined the Lilywhites from City, which may have a knock-on effect.
Enzo Maresca already has plenty of attacking options at City, having used Antoine Semenyo on the left-wing against Crystal Palace. He also has Jeremy Doku set to return from injury but might view Gakpo as a Savinho replacement.
Why 'Underrated' Gakpo Ticks Plenty of Boxes For Man City
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo
Gakpo is somewhat of a divisive player who has earned praise during his spell at Liverpool along with his fair share of criticism. Most of his critics point out inconsistency while those defending him feel his hard work goes under the radar.
Man City transfer targets
Cody Gakpo - Talks held with Liverpool forward
Enzo Fernandez - Late move expected for Chelsea star
Last season, the Netherlands international registered 12 goal contributions in 36 league games. He offers a versatile profile, able to play out wide as well as up front, much like Marmoush, and that might entice Maresca.
Jamie Carragher pointed out Gakpo's influence on Liverpool's team when speaking on CBS last season:
Gakpo's tally of 51 goals in 181 games for the Merseysiders is an impressive one, and he has proven to be a handful for defenders. His qualities could suit Maresca's attack and help take the goalscoring burden off Erling Haaland.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi