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Manchester City winger Savinho has added fresh fuel to the speculation over his future after being a notable absentee from first-team training on Thursday. Although the Brazilian is officially out due to illness, the development has come at a crucial moment, with Tottenham stepping up their push to sign him before the transfer window closes.

City star absent from important session

Enzo Maresca’s build-up to the upcoming Community Shield meeting with Arsenal suffered an unexpected setback as Savinho missed the latest training session. Manchester City are preparing for the traditional season opener at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, but they may have to do so without the 22-year-old. According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, the Brazilian did not train because of illness.

Even with the winger absent, several other important names were involved at the City Football Academy. Jack Grealish took part as he looks to make his first appearance for the club in more than a year after his injury problems. He was joined by Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and January signing Marc Guehi, all of whom are competing for a place in the starting XI for this weekend’s clash against the Gunners.

Spurs closing in on agreement

The timing of Savinho’s absence is especially interesting given the strong interest from north London. Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly close to securing his main attacking target, with Tottenham nearing a full agreement for the £60 million-rated star.

Spurs have been extremely active in the transfer market as they aim to work their way back towards the upper end of the table after successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. After already reshaping their squad with key additions in midfield and defence, their attention has now firmly turned towards strengthening the attack.

De Zerbi’s recruitment drive rolls on

Tottenham’s recruitment strategy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been aggressive this summer. Spurs used the first half of the window to add reinforcements at the back, signing Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke. They then followed that defensive rebuild with a huge statement in midfield, spending a combined £185 million to bring in the duo of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

To make room for further arrivals such as Savinho, the club are preparing for a number of high-profile exits. Cristian Romero is close to joining Atletico Madrid, while full-back Djed Spence is set to complete a move to Inter. Those departures are expected to create the financial flexibility Spurs need to test City’s resolve, although the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium may be unwilling to sell to a direct rival unless they have a replacement lined up.

Alternative targets also being considered

If Tottenham find it too difficult to complete a deal for Savinho, they have lined up other top-level options, including Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international is highly rated at Hotspur Way, although a move for the former PSV player looks far more complicated. Journalist Ben Jacobs recently explained the situation, indicating that Liverpool are reluctant to let the versatile attacker leave unless they can first bring in multiple replacements.

With the transfer deadline drawing near, Tottenham still have one final objective to complete. Whether De Zerbi lands Savinho or turns instead to Gakpo, Spurs are determined to finish their attacking rebuild before the window shuts.