English giants Manchester United are reportedly readying a move to sign Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo, valued at £35 million by PSV Eindhoven.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Cody Gakpo has become a top target for Manchester United in the ongoing transfer window. The Red Devils are preparing an offer to sign the Dutch attacker, with PSV Eindhoven likely to demand around £35 million to part ways with him this month.
Cody Gakpo has spent his entire footballing career in Eindhoven, starting his youth playing days at EVV Eindhoven. The 23-year-old has been with PSV Eindhoven since 2007, joining their academy as an eight-year-old before progressing through the ranks rapidly.
The Dutch attacker made his first-team debut for PSV Eindhoven, aged 18, in February 2018 and has become an indispensable figure for the club since then. Gakpo has also become a regular for the Netherlands since earning his international cap last year. The youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with Manchester United among his prospective suitors.
The Red Devils have been keeping tabs on Gakpo’s progress for several months, but the 23-year-old has become their top target in the last few days. Manchester United initially pursued a move for Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenian international is RB Leipzig-bound, forcing them to scour the market for alternatives.
Manchester United also briedly considered signing Marko Arnautovic before pulling the plug on the move for the Austrian attacker following backlash from fans. Gakpo is now the top target for Manchester United to bolster the offensive unit in the ongoing transfer window.
The Red Devils need to sign a versatile attacker who can play as a striker amid uncertainties around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. With Edinson Cavani departing from Old Trafford as a free agent, Erik ten Hag’s resources in the final third are wearing thin, compelling Manchester United to consider an offer for Gakpo.
PSV will demand around £35 million to part ways with the Dutch attacker, and Manchester United should have no qualms shelling out the amount to secure his services. But while a £35 million deal might be on the cards, PSV will unlikely let Gakpo leave before the end of their UEFA Champions League qualification campaign, if at all.
