The transfer window is turning into an absolute fever dream for Tottenham Hotspur fans. Having already backed manager Roberto De Zerbi to the tune of a staggering £237 million to completely reshape the defensive and midfield spine, the Lilywhites have turned their crosshairs toward explosive attacking talent out wide.
With names like Rafael Leão, Savinho, and Cody Gakpo sending the rumor mill into a frenzy, transfer authority Fabrizio Romano took to his YouTube channel to clarify exactly who is a live target, who is smoke and mirrors, and the real priorities driving De Zerbi’s final attacking phase.
The Summer War Chest: Spurs' 2026 Transfers So Far
Before diving into the winger landscape, it is vital to understand the scale of Tottenham's current ambition. The board has systematically addressed their leadership and structural gaps before greenlighting marquee attacking targets.
| Player | Position | Previous Club | Transfer Type / Fee |
| Sandro Tonali | Midfielder | Newcastle United | £100 million |
| Jan Paul van Hecke | Defender | Brighton & Hove Albion | £52 million |
| Mateus Fernandes | Midfielder | Sporting CP | Combined midfield overhaul package |
| Andy Robertson | Full-back | Liverpool | Free Transfer |
| Marcos Senesi | Defender | Bournemouth | Free Transfer |
| Martin Dúbravka | Goalkeeper | Newcastle United | Free Transfer |
1. The Rafael Leão Myth: Debunked
Despite wild rumors circulating that Tottenham were preparing a cut-price mega-bid to lure AC Milan’s Rafael Leão to North London, Romano put an immediate end to the speculation.
While Leão has expressed a strong desire to test himself in the Premier League down the line, Romano explicitly noted that there are currently no active negotiations between Tottenham, Milan, or the player’s representatives.
2. Priority #1: The Savinho Obsession
If Leão is a no-go, it is only because Tottenham are completely fixed on Manchester City’s Savinho. Romano emphasized that the 22-year-old Brazilian international is "number one, two, and three" on Spurs' attacking wishlist.
Personal Terms Locked In: For the second consecutive summer window, Tottenham has successfully secured a full personal agreement with Savinho on a five-year contract.
The £60m Waiting Game: The hold-up sits entirely at the Etihad. Last summer, City blocked Savinho's exit due to a lack of depth.
3. The Dream Alternative: Cody Gakpo
Should the Savinho deal hit a late financial snag, Tottenham maintain structural interest in Liverpool's versatile forward Cody Gakpo.
De Zerbi is known to be a massive admirer of the Dutch international’s tactical flexibility, viewing him as a premier goal threat from the left wing who can easily rotate into a central striking role.
Why These Specific Stars? De Zerbi’s Tactical Vision
The Flank Philosophy: Roberto De Zerbi’s system demands highly dynamic profiles on the wings. He requires an isolated, press-resistant 1v1 dribbler who can hold the touchline and stretch low blocks (Savinho), paired with a hyper-intelligent inside forward capable of crashing the box and finishing transition chances (Gakpo). By prioritizing these specific profiles over an expensive, high-maintenance signing like Leão, Tottenham is building a finely tuned machine rather than a collection of individual names.
Is Savinho worth the £60 million layout to complete De Zerbi's Tottenham revolution, or should the club push all their chips forward for Cody Gakpo?
