With the transfer deadline clock ticking down, the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur is anything but quiet.
The club, under the guidance of Thomas Frank, has already enjoyed a productive summer, smartly turning the loan deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel into permanent transfers.
They’ve also welcomed exciting new faces like the creative force Xavi Simons, the dynamic Mohammed Kudus, and the commanding midfielder Joao Palhinha, alongside future talents Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai
But it seems the North London club is not finished just yet, with the ambition to add both defensive solidity and attacking flair in one final push.
A surprising and potentially game-changing name has emerged at the top of their defensive shortlist: Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji.
The Swiss international centre-back has attracted attention from a few clubs, including Crystal Palace, but recent reports suggest that Tottenham have now surged ahead in the race for his signature.
The competition is stiff, with Italian giants AC Milan also making Akanji their ‘number one target’. While AC Milan and Manchester City are reportedly close to agreeing on a fee, convincing the player himself is proving to be a much bigger challenge.
Akanji currently earns a significant salary at the Etihad, and he is understandably reluctant to take a pay cut. Furthermore, the defender has a strong desire to continue playing in the Champions League, a crucial factor that plays directly into Tottenham’s hands.
Unlike AC Milan, Spurs can offer him exactly that, a key advantage that currently puts them “ahead of the Rossoneri” in this particular transfer pursuit.
Securing a player of Akanji’s experience and quality from a rival like Manchester City would be a major statement of intent and would significantly bolster a defensive line looking for a leader.
On the attacking front, Tottenham’s long-standing interest in Manchester City’s Savinho appears to be fading, as that deal now looks highly unlikely.
In a swift and strategic pivot, the club has turned its attention to a more attainable target: Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian winger has developed into a formidable force in Serie A and seems eager for a new challenge.
Reports indicate that Lookman is so keen on the move that he is literally “ready to fly to London to sign” for Tottenham, should the clubs agree on a deal.
Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has revealed that this deal “has a chance” of happening before the Monday evening deadline, noting that Tottenham once again find themselves “in the right place at the right time” to secure a talented player.
However, they are not without competition. German powerhouse Bayern Munich has also submitted a formal loan offer with an option to buy, and Galatasaray have shown interest, making it an open race. But the player’s apparent willingness to join Spurs gives them a crucial edge.
For manager Thomas Frank, successfully concluding these two deals would represent a perfect end to the window.
Adding Akanji’s composure and Champions League pedigree to the defense and Lookman’s direct goal threat and creativity to the attack would address key areas and provide the squad with the depth and quality needed to compete on all fronts this season.
It sets up a dramatic finale to deadline day, with Tottenham fans hoping their club can get these two deals over the line.
