By OkayGoal
Tottenham’s patience over Cody Gakpo appears to run deeper than many had realised, with reports now suggesting the club have turned down opportunities to sign other attacking options in recent hours rather than deviate from their preferred target.
Tottenham remain stubborn on Gakpo despite chance to sign Bahoya and Rafael Leao
According to report from transfer insider (@franchiseafc), Spurs were presented with the chance to move for both Bahoya and Rafael Leao in the past day yet Vinai & Co chose to decline interest in either of them as the Lilywhites continue to hold out for the Liverpool forward.
Understand Tottenham Hotspur were given the chance to sign Bayoha and Rafael Leao in the past few hours, they declined both as they wait for Cody Gakpo, who is the clubs top target for the remainder of the window. #THFC
Also good to note Marmoush is done, everything complete +…
— (@franchiseafc) August 26, 2026
This is quite bold from Tottenham especially given that we are entering its final stretch of the summer window. But it is also the one that shows how De Zerbi and the recruitment team at Hotspur Way remains convinced that Gakpo is the right fit for what they are trying to build at N17.
Now lets be honest, there is an obvious risk attached to that approach. Turning down established options like Leao(a player with genuine top level pedigree) in favour of continued pursuit of a target whose transfer remains dicey given the recent incoming of Manchester City as a potential suitor complemented by the Merseysiders stand to keep hold of him can bit Tottenham back if the Gakpo deal ultimately falls through. Yet it also suggests a level of conviction from the club’s recruitment staff that this is not simply about adding a name for the sake of it, but about finding a specific profile that suits the system De Zerbi wants to play.
Marmoush transfer is concluded, he will wear 22 at Tottenham
There was better news to report on the Marmoush front with confirmation arriving that his move is now fully complete in every sense right down to the detail of which shirt number he will wear. The Egyptian forward is set to pull on the number twenty two shirt for Tottenham, closing the book on a transfer saga that has rumbled on for what has felt like most of the summer.
With Marmoush now fully done and Savinho already through the doors, the growing sense is that Tottenham’s front line is beginning to take proper shape ahead of the new campaign.
Gakpo remains the final piece De Zerbi is chasing, and turning down alternatives this late in the window is as clear a signal as any that Spurs are determined to get their man rather than settle for whatever becomes available in the closing days.