Manchester City Target Cody Gakpo as Transfer Deadline Approaches

Manchester City have turned their attention to Cody Gakpo as the clock ticks down on the transfer window, with the Premier League champions sounding out the Liverpool forward’s potential availability, according to ESPN.

No bid has gone in. No direct contact with Liverpool yet. But the interest is real, and it comes at a time when City’s need in wide areas has suddenly become urgent.

Savinho exit forces City’s hand

Savinho’s move to Tottenham has left a gap in Pep Guardiola’s front line, and City want it filled quickly. The club see another winger as essential cover for a long, demanding season, and Gakpo’s name has pushed its way towards the top of their list.

The Dutchman has just reminded everyone of his threat. He started and scored in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle, underlining why Anfield officials have been in no rush to entertain offers.

So far this summer, Liverpool have been clear: they want to keep Gakpo. That stance, though, is tied to what happens in the final days of the window. If fresh attacking options arrive, the conversation changes.

Liverpool juggle their own rebuild

Behind the scenes, Liverpool are working to reshape their own forward line. Talks are ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola, with negotiations active as the deadline approaches.

They have already tested Brighton & Hove Albion’s resolve over Yankuba Minteh, only to see two separate bids turned away. The pursuit continues, but time is shrinking.

If Liverpool finally land the reinforcements they want, City could sense their opening. They will have to move fast. Tottenham, already having taken Savinho from the Etihad, are also showing concrete interest in Gakpo and are watching the same situation unfold.

Neto, Allan and the wider attacking plan

Gakpo is not the only name on City’s list. Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is also under consideration as the champions weigh up their wide options.

One forward has already been secured. City have agreed a €40 million (£34m) deal with Palmeiras for Brazilian attacker Allan, adding another piece to their evolving front line. It does not solve the winger problem on its own, but it gives Guardiola another weapon.

Midfield exodus forces major rethink

The overhaul is not limited to the attack. City’s midfield is being ripped up and rebuilt in real time.

Nico Gonzalez is close to joining Newcastle, another significant departure from the Etihad engine room. His exit would follow those of Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, all of whom have left the club this summer in a remarkable turnover of central options.

City’s response has been aggressive. Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has already arrived in Manchester to complete his €100m move from Lille, a blockbuster signing aimed at anchoring the next phase of Guardiola’s side.

The recruitment drive is still rolling. City continue to monitor Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea, tracking the Argentinian’s situation in London as the deadline edges closer. Any movement there would be expensive, complicated and high profile – exactly the kind of late-window play City have not shied away from in recent years.

Final days, big decisions

All the while, the Gakpo question hangs over the final stretch of the window. City will keep assessing their attacking options, with the Liverpool forward firmly among the candidates to walk through the doors at the Etihad Stadium before the market closes.

Whether Liverpool’s own transfer dominoes fall in time could decide where Gakpo is playing his football when the window slams shut.