Manchester City have opened discussions with Liverpool over a move for Cody Gakpo, with reports suggesting the Netherlands international has become a priority as the transfer window approaches its closing stages.
The central facts are consistent across the reporting: City have made contact with Liverpool, Gakpo is receptive to the prospect of the move, and Tottenham had also explored a deal before turning their attention elsewhere. What remains uncertain is whether City have formally placed a bid and, if so, at what level.
Bid figure is not independently confirmed
One report attributes to Fabrizio Romano the claim that City are preparing an £85m package after reaching an understanding with Gakpo's representatives. It also says Liverpool and City are in dialogue over the fee, with the selling club expected to seek an attacking replacement before authorising an exit.
However, the separate account of the negotiations describes them as talks rather than a completed offer. It says conversations over personal terms are under way, not necessarily concluded. That distinction matters. A player's camp being open to a switch is a significant step, but it does not settle the terms of employment or remove Liverpool's control over the transfer.
There is also a difference in the reported valuation. Previous speculation had placed Liverpool's likely asking price above £60m and perhaps closer to £70m. An £85m total package would clear those suggested numbers, although the structure would be crucial: guaranteed money, performance-related add-ons and payment timings can all change how an offer is viewed by the selling club.
Until either side confirms an official proposal, the £85m figure should be treated as a reported indication of City's willingness to push rather than a final valuation agreed between the clubs.
City's shortage explains the late move
City's interest has a clear sporting logic. Savio and Omar Marmoush have left for Tottenham, while Jeremy Doku is reportedly unavailable for several weeks with a calf problem. Their lack of established wide options was particularly apparent in the recent win at Crystal Palace, where no specialist winger was named among the substitutes and Phil Foden operated from a wider role despite being viewed primarily as something else.
Jack Grealish's uncertain situation adds another layer. With Everton and Sunderland linked, and the player absent for the Palace match, City are assessing a wide unit that could look considerably thinner than expected at the start of the window.
Gakpo would offer a direct solution because he can start on either flank and operate centrally when required. That flexibility is useful in a squad reshaping late in the market, although it also raises the question City must answer internally: are they buying a short-term cover option, a replacement for a departing winger, or a player intended to become a regular starter?
The reports frame Gakpo as a replacement for Savio, but the potential scale of the fee would suggest a more substantial role than a simple squad patch. City would be paying for a player already accustomed to Premier League demands and capable of filling several attacking positions, rather than gambling on a longer adaptation period.
Liverpool's recruitment holds the key
Liverpool's position appears tied to their own incoming business. Bradley Barcola is close to joining from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reportedly worth £106m initially, potentially rising to £123m. Victor Munoz has already arrived, and Liverpool are said to be pursuing another winger, with Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh among the names discussed in reports.
That context explains why Liverpool may be prepared to listen without being ready to accept immediately. Barcola's anticipated arrival would alter the depth chart, but one new forward does not automatically make Gakpo expendable. The club must judge whether an additional signing is needed before allowing an established attacker to leave, particularly so late in the window.
Gakpo recently created Alexander Isak's goal in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, a reminder that Liverpool are not negotiating over a peripheral player with no immediate contribution to make. His form and role in the current group will affect how much urgency Liverpool feel to complete their replacement plans.
Tottenham's withdrawal changes the market
Tottenham's earlier interest could have created competitive pressure on City, but their additions of Savio and Marmoush appear to have ended their pursuit. That leaves City as the only active destination named in the latest reports.
A one-club race may reduce Liverpool's leverage in theory, but City's need is acute and their reported package is substantial. The next decisive development is therefore likely to come from Liverpool's recruitment rather than another public declaration from Gakpo. If Barcola's move is completed and a second winger follows, the path to a deal becomes clearer. If those plans stall, City's talks may remain just that: talks.