Arsenal remain on the trails of Cody Gakpo, who remains a priority target for Mikel Arteta in the coming window.
According to Footmercato, Arsenal remain in the hunt for Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch winger a priority target for Mikel Arteta. The PSV star is coming on the back of a prolific season for the Eredivisie side, and the Gunners may launch an approach for him in the summer.
Arsenal aim to build on a successful transitional season under Mikel Arteta as they eye several key players to bolster their squad ahead of next season. They remain the favourites to finish in the top four ahead of Tottenham, which would allow them to spend a bit more fluidly in the coming window.
After strengthening the defence and goalkeeping positions in the previous summer, Arteta is likely to focus on reinforcing the attacking side of the team. While the current crop have performed admirably, the manager is keen to add competition for existing stars such as Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal’s priority is to sign a striker and they are working to land Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. At the same time, Arteta also wants a wide forward on priority, which has seen them trailing highly-rated stars, including Raheem Sterling.
Recent reports insisted Sterling may prefer joining Tottenham over Arsenal, forcing the Gunners to look at alternative targets. This brings them back to Cody Gakpo, who has had a prolific season with PSV with 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
Arsenal were considered frontrunners to sign Gakpo early on but their focus may have deviated due to Sterling’s availability in recent days. However, the north Londoners could now be back on the hunt for the Dutchman, who is reportedly valued at €35 million in the current market. The fee may not represent an issue, but not qualifying for the Champions League could pose trouble.
Gakpo has significant interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, who could offer him top-tier European football, although the young, competitive environment at Arsenal could also be enticing.
Arsenal want to prioritise a move for the 23-year-old, and they could make a swoop once the Eredivise season ends. Gakpo could be a significant signing for Arteta, as the Spaniard continues to build his team to play fluid, attacking football. Arsenal fans will be excited at the prospect of watching Martinelli, Smith Rowe, and Saka compete with Gakpo, as the Gunners eye a possible title challenge next term.
