Manchester United are keen on signing Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo, with the PSV Eindhoven star likely to cost over £34 million.
According to Daily Telegraph, Manchester United could make a move for Cody Gakpo before the transfer deadline, as Erik ten Hag pushes hard to improve the quality of his squad. The PSV Eindhoven attacker could be made available after the second leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Rangers.
Manchester United are pushing hard to sign a new wide attacker before the summer transfer window slams shut. Erik ten Hag has multiple options to consider, as their pursuit of top target, Antony, is proving difficult. Hence, the Red Devils are ready to pursue alternative targets to improve their playing squad.
Having endured a difficult start to the domestic season with defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, ten Hag is under immense pressure to get a result. Manchester United’s journey ahead is no easy task as they face Liverpool on Monday. The Dutch manager is unfazed by the monumental task at hand and continues to focus on bringing in reinforcements.
Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid, and ten Hag now wants a wide attacker to improve their ranks. The club had a mammoth €80 million bid for Antony rejected by Ajax, and it is unclear if the Brazilian international will arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
Hence, Manchester United are ready to look at alternatives, with Cody Gakpo their next preferred target. The PSV Eindhoven attacker was sensational last season, although several factors surrounding the winger could complicate things.
The report claims Gakpo is keen on joining Manchester United as the club prepares a formal offer. However, the Dutch attacker only recently signed a contract extension with PSV until 2026, although the Eredivisie outfit could be open to a sale if they receive a reasonable offer.
Additionally, PSV are in the thick of a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Rangers, and they do not want to lose Gakpo before next week’s second leg tie. Hence, a move could materialise after that game, and Manchester United are reportedly hopeful to sign him for around £34 million.
The report suggests that PSV could ask for more than £38 million, which Manchester United remain confident about matching through add-ons. In the scenario they miss out on Gakpo, there are other alternatives such as Napoli’s Hirving Lozano and Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco.
As things stand, Manchester United seem poised to bring in a wide attacker, and Gakpo has emerged on top of their list. The Dutch attacker also has interest from Arsenal and other Premier League clubs, which could intensify the chase during the latter stages of this transfer window.
