Tottenham's Savinho Pursuit Hits a Wall — And It Could Spark a Shock Rival Transfer Swoop

Tottenham Hotspur's efforts to strengthen their attacking options are stretching further into the summer window, with Chelsea's Pedro Neto reportedly surfacing as a backup option to their primary targets.

The early momentum that characterized Spurs' summer business has stalled, with the club making little meaningful headway in their attempts to sign Manchester City's Savinho or Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.

Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, the club entered the transfer market aware they would need to pay above the odds to convince targets — who likely had more attractive options elsewhere — to commit to Roberto De Zerbi's project.

They broke their transfer record twice to land Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who arrived after Jan Paul van Hecke was proactively brought in to fill the void left by Cristian Romero, now playing under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid. Yet Spurs have made no further additions to their total spend of over $313 million since July 6, when Tonali's move from Newcastle United was officially confirmed.

With the Premier League season fast approaching, fans are becoming increasingly impatient.

Chelsea's Pedro Neto on List of Spurs' Savinho Alternatives

Spurs have been pursuing Savinho for the past year. Manchester City ultimately blocked his departure last summer after a $70 million deal was on the table.

They have renewed their interest in the Brazilian despite his underwhelming 2025–26 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, and have reportedly been frustrated by City continually shifting their demands around the player's asking price. The Times suggests a deal could now reach as high as $115.7 million (£84.5 million).

He remains the top target, but Spurs are also planning for a scenario in which Savinho doesn't arrive in north London. Fabrizio Romano had previously flagged Pedro Neto as a potential option for De Zerbi's squad, and has since reiterated that stance.

Al Hilal and Spurs are the two remaining clubs in contention for the Chelsea winger after Man City were priced out of a deal. BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella understands that Chelsea are valuing Neto at $136 million (£100 million).

The 26-year-old delivered the finest season of his career in 2025–26, contributing to 20 goals across 52 appearances in all competitions. Despite this improvement, few would argue that Neto has done enough to warrant such a steep price tag.

Chelsea appear to be taking advantage of an inflated market this summer, and may be counting on Al Hilal to meet their reported asking price.

Every Direct Chelsea to Tottenham Transfer

Spurs Chasing Three Forwards to Conclude Summer Transfer Window

Spurs have struggled in their bid to upgrade a forward line that is clearly in need of reinforcement, yet Sky Sports News' Lyall Thomas reports that the club ideally want three new attackers through the door before the window shuts.

Savinho and Gakpo sit at the top of their wishlist, with Neto as a fallback. They are also seeking a centre-forward, but have yet to identify a replacement for Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi following the Frenchman's foot surgery in July.

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There remains a belief that Savinho — who has been eager for a move to north London throughout the summer and was left out of Enzo Maresca's Community Shield squad at the weekend — will ultimately join the club. However, Spurs' pursuit of Gakpo appears contingent on Liverpool securing Bradley Barcola from PSG.

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that while Spurs have held talks with Gakpo's camp, no direct contact has taken place between the two clubs. Liverpool insist the Dutchman — who scored and set up a goal in the Reds' 2–0 preseason win over Como at the weekend — is not available, though their position could change if they reach an agreement with PSG over Barcola.

For now, Spurs fans find themselves, remarkably, bracing for an attack built around Mathys Tel, Richarlison, and Mikey Moore for their Premier League opener on Saturday.