Tottenham have spent heavily this summer, but Roberto De Zerbi is still missing important pieces in his new-look attack.

Spurs have strengthened the spine of the side with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, while Andy Robertson has added experience at the back.

The rebuild has been aggressive because De Zerbi inherited a team that came dangerously close to relegation last season, yet the forward line still feels unfinished.

Tottenham have chased Savinho and explored several centre-forward options, including ex-Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun. They seemingly want more speed, goals and flexibility around Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus once he returns.

That search has repeatedly led them towards Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.

The Dutch international is most comfortable starting from the left, where he can drive inside onto his stronger right foot, but he has also played through the middle for Liverpool and the Netherlands, and at 27, he would arrive as a proven Premier League performer.

Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and took time to settle into Jürgen Klopp's evolving side. His first months still produced seven goals across 26 appearances, before he became a more regular and versatile member of the squad.

His best scoring campaign at Anfield came in 24/25. Gakpo struck 18 times in all competitions as Liverpool won the Premier League, including a goal against Tottenham on the afternoon the title was secured.

Last season was less productive, with nine goals and six assists from 52 outings in all competitions, but even so, his ability to cover two attacking roles helps explain why De Zerbi is interested.

Liverpool handed Gakpo a new £250,000-per-week long-term contract last August, and are therefore under no pressure to sell, particularly while their own attacking squad is being reshaped under Andoni Iraola.

The latest update suggests Tottenham are prepared to push harder.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Spurs are now holding 'very concrete' discussions with Gakpo and have also contacted Liverpool about a possible transfer.

However, the report comes with an important warning. People close to the player are said to have denied that any agreement has been reached, either over personal terms or a move itself.

That means this remains a live, ongoing pursuit rather than a deal waiting to be announced.

Gakpo is still described as a serious option for Tottenham, and his blend of power, experience and positional range makes the attraction obvious. He could compete on the left, support Solanke centrally and give De Zerbi another reliable source of goals.

The decisive question is Liverpool's position.

Tottenham can convince the player and continue talks, but Gakpo's long contract leaves the Reds firmly in control. Unless Liverpool decide their wider transfer plans make a sale worthwhile, Spurs may again find that identifying the right attacker is easier than prising him away.