Tottenham Refuse to Give Up on Manchester City Winger Savinho

Tottenham Hotspur are refusing to give up on Manchester City winger Savinho, even as the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old Brazilian has become a prime target for the North London side, who want to strengthen their attack following James Maddison’s ACL injury.

Spurs unveiled €60 million signing Xavi Simons before their last game, but his arrival has not closed the door on Savinho. The winger, who once played alongside Simons at PSV Eindhoven, is seen as the pace and width Tottenham’s frontline currently lacks.

City, however, have resisted every approach. Reports confirm Spurs had bids of £43 million and £60 million rejected. Pep Guardiola has reportedly blocked the move, a stance that has left Savinho frustrated. The winger, still recovering from a pre-season injury, has yet to feature for City this season. Despite the pushback, Spurs remain determined. Journalist Graeme Bailey summed it up: “Spurs love Savinho and are not letting this go… it is not dead in the water yet.”

Akanji Deal Looking More Likely

While the Savinho chase hangs in the balance, Tottenham are also negotiating for City defender Manuel Akanji. An official £20 million bid has already been submitted, outbidding AC Milan’s €15 million offer. At 30, the Swiss international brings experience, and with City leaving him out of their last squad, a departure appears realistic.

🚨 Tottenham’s move to sign Manchester City forward Savinho is not completely dead just yet.

(Source: @GraemeBailey )

It’s the hope that kills you, Spurs fans. 💀 pic.twitter.com/T4ytzNfLAB

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 31, 2025

Spurs’ defensive need was highlighted in their 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth. Manager Thomas Frank already has Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and new recruit Kevin Danso, but the squad lacks an additional ball-playing centre-back. Akanji fits the profile, and sources suggest City would be open to selling a squad defender if the price is right.

Why Spurs Are Pushing So Hard

Tottenham’s urgency is driven by two key gaps. In attack, Maddison’s long-term absence and failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have left a creative void. Savinho, with his explosive pace, is seen as the missing link to balance Simons’ arrival.

In defence, Akanji offers stability and leadership. The club does not want to enter the Champions League with depth concerns at the back. Spurs can also offer fringe City players what they lack in Manchester — guaranteed minutes in Europe’s top competition without leaving the Premier League spotlight.

The Final Stretch

With less than 48 hours before the window closes, Spurs are “working overtime.” Their persistence suggests at least one of these moves could still go through. Insider odds rate Akanji as a high-likelihood signing, while Savinho’s deal sits at 50-50 due to City’s reluctance and Girona’s loan complications.

Still, Tottenham’s intent is clear. They are building for both domestic and European challenges, and they are willing to push until the very last hour. Whether it is Savinho, Akanji, or both, Spurs want to make a statement before the deadline slams shut.