Tottenham have made a major breakthrough in their bid to sign Cody Gakpo after reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Liverpool forward. But while the Netherlands international moves closer to a switch to north London, Liverpool's attempt to remodel their attack has run into trouble, with the club now facing a transfer impasse over Bradley Barcola.

Gakpo moves nearer to Tottenham transfer

Tottenham have reportedly settled personal terms with Gakpo as Roberto De Zerbi presses ahead with an ambitious rebuild of his squad. After finishing 17th in back-to-back Premier League seasons and only just avoiding relegation each time, Spurs have been highly active in the market, already spending around £237 million on players including Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

According to reports from Dutch publication Voetbal International, the player and Spurs are closing in on a full agreement, although the transfer fee between Tottenham and Liverpool is still to be completed. Gakpo's possible exit comes with the Reds entering a new phase after Mohamed Salah's departure and the appointment of Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool run into Barcola valuation problem

As Gakpo edges towards the exit, Liverpool's pursuit of a headline replacement has encountered a major obstacle. The Reds have reportedly made Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola their leading option to fill the gap, but the French champions are standing firm on their valuation.

Although the arrivals of new attackers such as Mika Godts and Ferran Torres at Parc des Princes could, in theory, reduce Barcola's place in the pecking order under Luis Enrique, PSG do not appear to be under any immediate need to sell their prized asset for less than their record £145m asking price.

Reds consider in-house options

With the Barcola move still unresolved, Liverpool have already strengthened their attacking department this summer by signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna. The Spanish wide player mainly operates on the left side, giving Iraola an immediate depth option. At the same time, the club are also exploring internal answers, with significant expectations surrounding young prospect Rio Ngumoha.

The transition at Anfield is already in full swing, with Salah's exit bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful periods in the club's history. Iraola has been handed the responsibility of keeping Liverpool competitive while also bringing younger profiles into the side. A Gakpo sale would generate extra funds, but the failure so far to secure Barcola has increased concerns among supporters over the strength of the front three ahead of a demanding domestic and European campaign.

Final days of the transfer window

With the deadline getting closer, Liverpool may have to turn to alternative targets if PSG continue to refuse to reduce their demands for Barcola. The Reds have also been linked with Barcola's Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye, indicating that scouts at Anfield are closely monitoring the pool of talent in the French capital.

For Tottenham, attention remains on getting the Gakpo transfer over the line and possibly adding Manchester City's Savinho to complete a refreshed attacking unit. De Zerbi has received major backing after last season's close call, and the signing of an established Premier League attacker like Gakpo could prove to be the final missing piece.