Man City power shift with Premier League club could tempt them into transfer opportunity

Manchester City could be affected by an unexpected Premier League transfer merry go-round as they try to finalise Pep Guardiola's squad.

Tottenham have been interested in signing Savinho this summer

The 2025 summer transfer window is certainly shaping up to be a classic. Some eye-catching deals have already been made, but as the clock ticks down to deadline day, the drama is only increasing.

Alexander Isak's civil war with Newcastle is dominating headlines, but barely a day is going by without some kind of major news story. Wednesday night brought another kick in the teeth for Tottenham, beaten to the signing of Eberechi Eze by Arsenal, of all clubs.

Spurs have now been on the brink of deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze without signing either. They spent a week ironing out the minor details with Crystal Palace for their 27-year-old England international, only for Arsenal to swoop in after confirmation of Kai Havertz's knee injury.

It's back to the drawing board for Thomas Frank, who is rapidly getting an introduction to life at Tottenham. In a matter of hours on Wednesday, it was suggested they could include Richarlison in a deal for Eze, managing to potentially alienate their Brazilian forward only to then see Eze sign for their North London rivals anyway.

Where Tottenham turn next will be fascinating. It could be back to Manchester City, one of several clubs reluctant to engage in talks with Daniel Levy. Had Levy acted swiftly rather than trying to sweat every pound, then Eze might already be their player.

City winger Savinho is on Spurs' radar, however. Having made an initial enquiry, they could return to try and firm up a deal, although the events of the past 24 hours have clearly played into the hands of Hugo Viana and the decision-makers at the Etihad.

While City don't want to lose their 21-year-old winger, who only joined the club last summer, Savinho is open to a move to Tottenham and if they receive an acceptable offer, City rarely stand in the way of a player who wants to leave.

That offer would need to be on their terms, however, and they clearly hold the power in any potential negotiation, which might encourage them to meet with Levy.

Pep Guardiola wants his squad trimmed before the end of the transfer window on September 1, but selling Savinho would require a replacement and City would need time to wrap up any deal.

They have an ideal candidate in Rodrygo, and any potential transfer shouldn't be too difficult to pull off. The 24-year-old was an unused substitute in Real Madrid's La Liga win against Osasuna on Tuesday, a decision that further signalled his likely departure this window as Xabi Alonso looks to build an effective attack.

Alonso brought on academy striker Gonzalo Garcia and 18-year-old Argentine attacker Franco Mastantuono ahead of Rodrygo, who has since been linked with a move to the Premier League. In the modern market, only clubs in England and Saudi Arabia could likely afford the Brazilian international.

A switch to these shores is clearly his preferred destination. There have been links with Arsenal and Liverpool, who could both do with another wide forward, but City continue to monitor the situation, aware they need a plan if Savinho does leave.

If we have learnt anything from this transfer window so far, it is to expect the unexpected. As we enter the final 10 days or so of negotiations, plenty could yet change at the Etihad.

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