Tottenham Hotspur remain firmly in the race to sign Savinho, but Manchester City must secure a replacement before allowing their winger to leave.
Spurs have already transformed Roberto De Zerbi’s squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke have arrived for major fees, while Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka joined as free agents.
The focus has now moved towards the attack. Savinho remains Tottenham’s leading target, with negotiations continuing over a deal expected to cost around £65m.
However, the timing is currently controlled by Manchester City rather than Spurs.
Manchester City hold key to Savinho agreement
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano maintained that Tottenham want Savinho and remain in direct negotiations with City.
The Brazilian is also keen on the move. He was prepared to join Spurs last summer before City decided to retain him and offer him a new contract.
City’s position has now changed enough for negotiations to reopen, although they do not want to weaken their attacking options without first securing another winger.
Tottenham must therefore remain patient while City work through their own shortlist. An agreement between Spurs and Savinho will not complete the transfer until the Premier League champions approve his departure.
ReadTottenham previously explained why missing out on Morgan Rogers increased the importance of signing Savinho.
Rogers would have offered De Zerbi power, creativity and positional flexibility. Chelsea’s £117m agreement with Aston Villa removed him from consideration, leaving Savinho as the clearest route towards adding elite-level quality out wide.
Savinho offers De Zerbi a different attacking threat
Savinho is more naturally suited to stretching the pitch than Rogers. He can receive possession near the touchline, attack defenders directly and create space for Tottenham’s central players.
Those qualities could prove valuable alongside Dominic Solanke. Spurs often lacked width and unpredictability during their difficult campaign last season, particularly when opponents defended in compact areas.
Savinho would also arrive with Premier League experience and an understanding of possession-based football. De Zerbi would still need to improve his consistency in the final third, but the 22-year-old has the profile to develop into a long-term starter.
Tottenham’s spending has already exceeded £200m, yet another major attacking addition would not look excessive after their problems last season. The club have rebuilt the defence and midfield first, before turning towards the area which could define the success of the window.
City signing a replacement would provide the clearest indication that negotiations are approaching their final stage.
Bergvall exit could create further transfer room
Romano also expects Lucas Bergvall to leave Tottenham before the transfer window closes.
The Sweden international wants regular football after the arrivals of Tonali and Fernandes increased competition in De Zerbi’s midfield. Spurs will also have fewer matches after failing to qualify for Europe.
Tottenham have already rejected Newcastle United’s £46m offer for Bergvall. Nottingham Forest have also submitted proposals, while Newcastle remain involved in discussions.
According to talkSPORT, Spurs are not actively attempting to sell the midfielder but could reconsider if an interested club reaches their valuation.
That approach protects Tottenham from accepting a reduced fee simply because Bergvall wants more minutes. He remains under a long-term contract and has considerable value following his development in north London.
A sale above £50m would produce a substantial profit and create additional room for De Zerbi to complete his attacking rebuild.
Tottenham’s direction is now clear. Savinho remains the priority, City’s replacement search controls the schedule and Bergvall could become the next significant departure.
Spurs do not need to change course. They need City to open the door.
