Manchester City have rejected an approach from Arsenal for Brazilian forward Savinho, with a proposed loan move swiftly dismissed, according to reports emerging from Brazil.
The North London club are understood to have made early contact to explore a temporary deal, but City’s response was immediate and firm, underlining their current stance on the 22-year-old’s future.
Savinho’s situation at the Etihad Stadium has become one of the quieter but persistent transfer subplots of the summer window.
Although he remains under contract and valued internally, his long-term place in the squad has been brought into question after a stop-start 2025/26 campaign.
Injuries, particularly a thigh problem, disrupted his rhythm, while competition for wide attacking roles limited his opportunities.
Even though Pep Guardiola is now a former Manchester City coach, the squad structure he helped shape continues to influence decisions at the club.
Under that framework, Savinho has found himself behind more established or in-form wide options, including Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo, both of whom featured more regularly during the previous campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur have been monitoring the Brazilian for some time and are considered the most persistent suitor.
Spurs first made an attempt to sign him last summer, when an opening offer worth several million pounds was rejected outright by senior figures at Manchester City.
The stance at the time was strongly supported by chief executive Ferran Soriano, who was not prepared to sanction a departure for a player still considered part of the club’s long-term planning.
However, the player’s situation has since evolved. After a fragmented season, Savinho is believed to be open to a move in search of consistent first-team football.
Sources close to the situation suggest he is keen on a fresh challenge, particularly one that would guarantee regular minutes at a high level.
Tottenham’s renewed interest has therefore gained traction, with discussions now said to be active at an exploratory stage.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have also entered the picture, albeit in a more cautious manner. Their proposal, believed to be structured around a loan arrangement, was rejected without negotiation.
City’s hierarchy are not currently open to temporary departures for the forward, preferring either to retain him or consider a permanent sale on their terms.
The overall valuation placed on Savinho is understood to be close to €50 million, reflecting both his potential and the investment already made in his development.
- Man City prepare to announce new signing tied down for years to come
- Man City eye top winger as Savinho replacement
Manchester City still regard him, in their own words, as an “important asset for the future”, even if the pathway to regular football at the Etihad appears increasingly complicated.
Representatives from Spurs have already opened dialogue with the player’s entourage and engaged in preliminary discussions with the City Football Group structure.
According to reports, meetings have also taken place between Spurs officials and Manchester City representatives to assess possible deal frameworks.
The talks are described as being in their “preliminary stages”, but there is a growing sense that Spurs are preparing for a more formal approach if conditions become favourable.
A move to the capital would also depend on squad restructuring, with sporting director Hugo Viana reportedly assessing wide attacking options before committing to any final bid.
