Tottenham’s Savinho pursuit could go down to the wire as Man City wait on replacement
Daniel Levy’s passive approach in the market may cost him and Tottenham once again.
The Tottenham chairman has left one too many potential signings slip from his grasp this summer.
Eberechi Eze was snatched by Arsenal while Morgan Gibbs-White extended at Nottingham Forest despite agreeing personal terms with Spurs.
Piero Hincapie could be the latest Tottenham target to sign with the Gunners. But with the Lilywhites focused on their attack, the loss of a centre-back is not considered detrimental.
However, it seems Levy has not been focusing enough on the front line as the hours tick down to sign Savinho.
Savinho on course to remain at Manchester City
Savinho signing for Tottenham was always a long shot, with Manchester City determined to keep the players.
The Lilywhites have been plotting a replacement option for Son Heung-min, who signed for LAFC earlier in the window. But Levy has had the doors slammed in his face at each door knocked.
But where there is a will, there’s a way, and there may still be hope to get his signing over the line.
As reported by The Athletic on Tuesday, 26 August, Spurs’ hopes of signing Savinho rest on Man City signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid. However, the Brazilian has not informed Madrid of his desire to leave.
If this changes, it could open the door to talks between City and Madrid – with Pep Guardiola a long-time admirer of Rodrygo. This could catalyse conversation between Spurs and Man City over Savinho.
However, this is all hypothetical. As of now, the Citizens are not looking to sell the winger, and there is no situation for the Lilywhites to pursue.
As a result, Savinho is on course to remaning at Manchester City for at least another season.
- Read more: What Tottenham are ‘willing to pay’ for Savinho as Man City set astronomical asking price
Is Maghnes Akliouche a good Savinho alternative?
Monaco have already revealed their stance on Maghnes Akliouche and want to keep the winger. However, a big enough offer could shift their position.
With Savinho an unlikely option, Spurs could be tempted to table a large fee to sign Akliouche as a Savinho alternative. However, the Frenchman does exceed the Brazilian in several metrics.
Last season, the Monaco forward was in the 61st percentile for dribbles competed, while Savinho was in the 95.9th. The Brazilian also had him beat in crosses and ball carrying.
Meanwhile, Akliouche fared better with key passes and non-penalty goals. Still, other than goalscoring, the gap between the two was virtually non-existent. Whereas there is a greater difference in the areas Savinho excels.
As a result, Tottenham could be setting themselves up for disappointment with Akilouche as an alternative option.
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