Tottenham Hotspur are exploring the possibility of making a surprise late move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake as the club intensifies efforts to reinforce their defensive line before the summer transfer window closes. According to sources at GIVEMESPORT, Spurs used last weekend’s clash with City as an opportunity to initiate discussions over a potential deal.

Spurs Step Up Defensive Hunt

New head coach Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer, has already overseen significant investment in his new-look squad. Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham United in a £55 million transfer last month, becoming Tottenham’s marquee addition of the window. Despite that outlay, there remains a clear appetite within the Spurs hierarchy to add further reinforcements—particularly at the back.

The north Londoners have enjoyed a positive start to the Premier League campaign, recording back-to-back clean sheets. However, senior figures at Hotspur Way believe additional depth is needed if the club is to mount another challenge for domestic and European honours this season.

Son’s Departure Opens Up Funds

The shock exit of Heung-min Son earlier in August has also reshaped Tottenham’s transfer priorities. The South Korean captain sealed a move to Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC in a deal worth over £20 million. While his departure marks the end of an era, it has also freed up funds to invest in new recruits. Tottenham’s board is determined to ensure Frank has the tools to build on last season’s silverware-winning campaign.

Ake Identified as Key Target

Ake, who has two years remaining on his £160,000-per-week contract at the Etihad, has emerged as a serious target. Spurs representatives sounded out City officials during their victory over Pep Guardiola’s side last weekend, seeking clarity on whether the Dutchman could be prised away before Monday’s 7pm deadline.

Despite only featuring as a substitute in that defeat, Ake remains highly valued by Guardiola, who has previously described him as “incredible.” The 30-year-old, who joined City from Bournemouth in a £40 million deal back in 2020, has since established himself as a dependable figure in their defensive rotation. His versatility—capable of playing at centre-back or filling in at left-back—makes him an appealing option for Tottenham, who see him as a player who can push Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie for regular minutes.

Spurs Sound Out Other City Stars

The Ake enquiry is not the only piece of business Tottenham have discussed with the Premier League champions. Sources suggest chairman Daniel Levy and senior recruitment officials also held informal talks regarding Brazilian winger Savinho, though City remain reluctant to sanction his departure. Earlier in the window, Spurs even explored the availability of Jack Grealish and James McAtee, highlighting the north London side’s willingness to test City’s resolve as Guardiola seeks to trim an oversized squad.

Frank’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive

Frank is said to be a strong admirer of Ake and believes the Netherlands international could play a transformative role at Spurs, both as a defensive stabiliser and as competition across the backline. Tottenham’s pursuit of Ake also underscores their broader transfer strategy, which includes seeking out versatile players who can provide balance and cover across multiple positions.

In addition to strengthening defensively, Tottenham are keeping tabs on creative options. GIVEMESPORT recently reported that the club is monitoring Bilal El Khannouss, the highly-rated Moroccan international who suffered relegation with Leicester City last season. Spurs’ interest in El Khannouss suggests Frank wants to inject more creativity into his squad as well as defensive solidity.

Conclusion

With the transfer window rapidly closing, Tottenham find themselves at a decisive moment. Whether or not City are willing to part ways with Ake remains uncertain, but the defender’s experience, versatility, and pedigree make him exactly the type of last-minute reinforcement Spurs crave. After an already eventful summer of arrivals and departures, the coming days could yet see further drama as Tottenham push hard to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.