Arsenal will reportedly compete with Real Madrid in the race to sign 23-year-old Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Cody Gakpo is the subject of interest from Arsenal over a move in the 2023 summer transfer window. The Dutch attacker is also a target for Real Madrid, with PSV Eindhoven likely to demand over €50 million for him.
Cody Gakpo has become a hot property in the market on the back of a memorable last twelve months. The 23-year-old had enjoyed a brilliant 2021/22 campaign with PSV Eindhoven. But he has stepped his game up a notch in the ongoing season, becoming one of the most prolific players in Europe.
The Dutch attacker has an excellent tally of 13 goals and 11 assists in 19 appearances across all competitions. At the same time, he will be one of the first names on the team sheet for the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And Gakpo’s performances have attracted several top European clubs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid likely stems from Karim Benzema’s advancing age. While the French international has been sensational in the last four years, he is well into his thirties. Real Madrid will thus need to lay down a succession plan for the veteran striker, with several attackers emerging on their radar.
Gakpo is also a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Dutch international capable of reprising different roles in the final third. The player’s leadership abilities also make him an appealing option. But Los Blancos will need to fend off stiff competition from Arsenal in the race to sign the PSV Eindhoven talisman.
Arsenal showed interest in Gakpo in the summer transfer window before finalising the signings of Marquinhos and Gabriel Jesus. But the continued interest in the Dutch attacker is not surprising, despite the Gunners’ electric start to the season. That is because Mikel Arteta can still do with another attacker in his squad, making Gakpo an option worth considering.
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But PSV will likely fight tooth and nail to keep hold of the in-form attacker. The Dutch giants will demand around €50 million to part ways with Gakpo. And neither Arsenal nor Real Madrid should have a problem shelling out €50 million to sign him. It will be interesting to see if more clubs join the race to sign Gakpo in the coming months.
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