Manchester United and Arsenal scouts watched Cody Gakpo recently as speculation around the PSV Eindhoven winger keeps growing.
According to 90min, many clubs watched players during PSV Eindhoven’s tip to Ajax. Those included Arsenal and Manchester United scouts, with both running the rule over Cody Gakpo. The winger is the subject of interest from multiple clubs, including the Premier League duo, and a January move could be on the cards.
Cody Gakpo was one of the top-rated players that got away for many Premier League clubs. On the back of a solid season with PSV Eindhoven, the Dutchman was the subject of interest from England and abroad. But the in-form attacker remained at the club despite getting closer to the exit door.
Manchester United were one of the clubs keen on signing the winger in the summer. Erik ten Hag had identified Gakpo as ideal for the club but failed to sign him before the deadline. The Red Devils did bring Antony in a huge deal from Ajax, while the PSV talisman stayed put in Eindhoven.
One of the reasons could be the regular game time he could get at PSV, especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup around the corner. But things could change in January when there will be no pressure at the international level, Gakpo could get his move to a big club.
There is considerable interest from continental clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, Gakpo could prefer a move to England, where there is no shortage of attention.
During PSV’s recent away match against Ajax, scouts from many Premier League sides were present to watch him in action. Everton, Leeds, Leicester, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Wolves had representatives to keep tabs on several players, but Manchester United and Arsenal stood out.
The Premier League giants could have a tussle for Gakpo in January, as both need a top-class winger in the window. Mikel Arteta is keen to bring a in wide attacker. He wants to add competition for Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli as the search for reliable options continues.
Mykhaylo Mudryk and Yeremy Pino have also been considered, but Arsenal are keeping tabs on the in-demand Dutch attacker. If they can find a financially suitable agreement with PSV, a move could be on the cards. In any case, Manchester United are hot on the heels of Gakpo and willing to make an imminent approach.
Erik ten Hag knows the player well from his time in the Eredivisie. He had already earmarked Gakpo to shine at Old Trafford, and January could pose an opportunity for Manchester United to sign him. And the Red Devils might be ready to pay the required money to get him signed.
Manchester United have lacked the desired output in the final third, with Marcus Rashford their only reliable scorer in recent weeks. Jadon Sancho is not considered good enough, and ten Hag is keeping tabs on a new option.
The January transfer window will be a testing period for PSV and their resolve to keep hold of Gakpo. A sale could be on the cards if they receive reasonable offers, but the winger will have to choose between the top clubs keen on signing him, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
