Romano: Man City Close to Agreeing €85m Deal for Gakpo; Liverpool Will Let Him Go Once Replacement Is Found

August 30 – Well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation surrounding Cody Gakpo and Manchester City.

On Gakpo and Manchester City

This is tonight's exclusive headline story. Gakpo has agreed personal terms with Manchester City, successfully beating Tottenham Hotspur to the player's signature. Spurs had been in advanced negotiations with Gakpo's camp since July and had almost reached an agreement on personal terms. However, City made a late and strong intervention, winning the player over with a more attractive proposal. Gakpo is very interested in joining City and believes he can develop better under Enzo Maresca's tactical system.

City and Liverpool are now in talks at club level, with the transfer fee expected to be around €85 million. This valuation is considered to be in line with the current market for a player of his proven Premier League experience. Liverpool are open to Gakpo's departure, but only on the condition that the club can find a suitable replacement. At present, the deal hinges on Liverpool identifying a new winger – once that is done, Gakpo will travel to Manchester for a medical and to sign his contract.

Maresca is a big admirer of Gakpo, viewing the Dutch winger as a top-class player who can add more options and variety to City's attack. Gakpo can play on both wings and, if necessary, as a central striker – the versatility is exactly what Maresca values. After selling Savinho and Omar Marmoush, City's attacking depth has been reduced, and Gakpo's arrival would add much-needed flexibility and competition to the final third.

For Tottenham, missing out on Gakpo is undoubtedly a blow. They worked hard throughout the summer to push the deal forward, only to be gazumped by City at the final moment. Spurs will now need to turn their attention to other targets to reinforce their attack. With only days left before the transfer window closes, all parties are stepping up negotiations to complete their business before the deadline.