Tottenham’s Striker Search: De Zerbi Eyes Gakpo and Marmoush

A New Dawn in North London: De Zerbi’s Attacking Mandate

The winds of change are sweeping through North London with a palpable sense of urgency. Following a harrowing 2025/26 Premier League campaign that saw Tottenham Hotspur finish a dismal 17th, the club has embarked on a significant rebuild under the guidance of new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Known for his high-octane, possession-based football, the Italian tactician has wasted no time in reinforcing a leaky defence, securing deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke. With the backline bolstered, the focus has now shifted decisively to the area that has plagued Spurs for years: the attack. The mandate from the board and the expectation from the fanbase is clear – the toothless performances of last season cannot be repeated. De Zerbi’s philosophy demands a fluid, dynamic, and, most importantly, clinical front line. This has ignited a comprehensive search for players capable of not just fitting into his system, but elevating it, with two prominent Premier League names reportedly high on his shortlist: Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

The Post-Kane Predicament: Analyzing Tottenham’s Attacking Woes

To understand the gravity of Tottenham’s summer transfer mission, one must look at the glaring void that has existed since the departure of club legend Harry Kane. The 2025/26 season was a stark illustration of this lingering issue. The responsibility of leading the line fell primarily to Richarlison, who, despite his best efforts, finished as the club’s top scorer in the league with a modest 11 goals. While a respectable return, it is a far cry from the numbers required to compete at the sharp end of the table. The situation was compounded by the persistent injury problems of Dominic Solanke, who managed just six goals in 20 appearances. The loan of Randal Kolo Muani failed to provide the necessary spark, and with his departure, the attacking corps looks thinner than ever. This lack of a reliable goal-scoring focal point created a cascade of problems, putting immense pressure on the midfield and defence and often leading to a disjointed and predictable attacking phase. The statistics paint a bleak picture of a team crying out for a consistent and potent threat in the final third, a problem De Zerbi is now tasked with solving as his top priority.

The Dutch Dilemma: Is Cody Gakpo the Answer?

One of the most intriguing names linked with a move to Tottenham is Liverpool’s versatile forward, Cody Gakpo. At 27, the Dutch international is entering his peak years and possesses a profile that aligns with De Zerbi’s tactical preferences. Gakpo is known for his intelligent movement, technical ability, and capability to play both on the left wing and through the middle. However, his potential availability stems from what was widely regarded as an underwhelming 2025/26 season at Anfield. He managed just nine goals across 52 appearances in all competitions, a tally that drew criticism from sections of the Liverpool fanbase. Despite the dip in form, the underlying talent that persuaded Liverpool to sign him from PSV remains. De Zerbi is reportedly a keen admirer of Gakpo, perhaps seeing an opportunity to revitalise a player whose confidence has wavered but whose quality is not in doubt. For Spurs, he represents a calculated risk; a player with proven Premier League experience who could be acquired for a price below that of a striker at the absolute peak of their powers.

Here is a look at Cody Gakpo’s Premier League statistics over the last two seasons, courtesy of the official Premier League website:

Statistics sourced from PremierLeague.com.

Liverpool’s Stance: A Door Left Ajar?

Securing Cody Gakpo’s signature will be a complex negotiation. Publicly, Liverpool are not actively seeking to sell the forward. The club’s new manager, Andoni Iraola, is reportedly keen to work with the Dutchman and give him a chance to impress under his new regime. However, the language from Anfield has not been definitive. Reports suggest that while they are not pushing him out, an ‘irresistible offer’ could tempt them into a sale. This has been interpreted by many as an invitation for clubs like Tottenham to test the waters. The potential valuation is a significant factor; some sources indicate Liverpool could use the reported £70 million fee that Barcelona paid for Anthony Gordon as a benchmark, while other estimates place his market value closer to the £60 million mark. The situation appears fluid. While Gakpo has not directly requested a transfer, the interest from Spurs is genuine, and should Tottenham present a compelling financial package, Liverpool’s hierarchy may be persuaded that cashing in and reinvesting elsewhere is the shrewdest move for all parties involved.

A Surprise Raid on the Champions: The Omar Marmoush Link

In a more surprising turn, Tottenham are also reportedly monitoring Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian international made a high-profile move to the Etihad from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for a fee reported to be around £59 million. Since joining the Premier League champions, Marmoush has been a useful squad player but has not cemented a regular starting position amidst the star-studded City attack. According to reports, the 27-year-old is a player ‘loved’ by Roberto De Zerbi, who sees him as a prime candidate to lead his line. The logic behind the potential move is compelling for the player; at Tottenham, he would be guaranteed a central role and the consistent game time that is harder to come by under Pep Guardiola. For Spurs, it would be a bold statement of intent, prying a talented forward away from their rivals. Marmoush offers pace, directness, and a proven goalscoring record in the Bundesliga, and the prospect of being the main man in a new project could be highly appealing.

By The Numbers: Gakpo vs. Marmoush

When considering two high-calibre transfer targets, a deep dive into their performance metrics is essential. Both Cody Gakpo and Omar Marmoush endured different circumstances in the 2025/26 season; Gakpo was part of a struggling Liverpool side, while Marmoush operated within the competitive squad of Manchester City. Their statistics reflect these differing contexts, but a head-to-head comparison offers valuable insight into what each player could bring to Tottenham. The following table breaks down their contributions across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, providing a clearer picture of their offensive output.

Statistics compiled from various sources including Tribuna.com and FBREF for the 2025/26 season.

Tactical Fit: How Would They Mesh with De Zerbi-Ball?

Beyond the statistics, the crucial question is how each player would adapt to ‘De Zerbi-Ball’. The Italian’s system is demanding, requiring tactical intelligence, relentless pressing, and fluidity in offensive rotations. Cody Gakpo’s background at Ajax and Liverpool makes him well-versed in high-pressing systems. His ability to drift wide, drop deep to link play, and interchange positions with other attackers would be a valuable asset. He could operate as the central striker who drifts left, allowing an attacking midfielder like James Maddison to exploit the central space, or he could start on the left of a front three, providing both a goal threat and creativity. Omar Marmoush, conversely, offers a more direct and explosive option. His pace and willingness to run in behind would stretch opposition defences, creating space for others. In De Zerbi’s 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, Marmoush would be a pure focal point, tasked with occupying centre-backs and being the primary target in the box. His aggressive pressing from the front would also be a key component in winning the ball back high up the pitch, a cornerstone of De Zerbi’s philosophy. The choice between them is a choice of style: Gakpo the versatile facilitator, and Marmoush the direct disruptor.

The Summer Verdict: A Calculated Gamble for Spurs’ Future

Tottenham Hotspur stands at a critical juncture. The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi is a statement of intent, but his success hinges on being supplied with the right tools. The pursuit of Cody Gakpo and Omar Marmoush signifies a targeted approach to rectify the club’s most glaring weakness. Gakpo represents a potential reclamation project, a high-talent player who could be revitalised by a change of scenery and a central role in a new system. Marmoush offers a more straightforward solution to the goal-scoring problem, a player with the physicality and instinct to thrive as a Premier League number nine. Both transfers carry risks and substantial financial outlay. However, inaction is not an option. For Spurs to climb out of the Premier League’s lower echelons and begin a new era of exciting, attacking football, they must take a calculated gamble in the transfer market. The choice they make for their new frontman will not only define their summer but could very well shape the entire trajectory of the De Zerbi project in North London.