Arsenal are reportedly prepared to make a move for PSV Eindhoven striker and Dutch World Cup star Cody Gakpo, who is also a target for rivals Manchester United.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Premier League leaders Arsenal are ready to swoop in and steal Manchester United’s top transfer target, Cody Gakpo, in the January window. PSV are expected to demand a record fee in the region of €60 million to sanction a winter sale for their prized asset after he impressed at the Qatar World Cup.
The Netherlands international has been heavily chased by a number of top clubs for the most part of the 2022/23 season after failing to secure a move away from the Eredivisie in the summer.
Leeds United and Southampton tried to sign him over the summer, with the former even finalising the deal to bring him to Elland Road before a late change of heart from the 23-year-old’s camp. The Dutchman now seems to have outgrown both sides, aiming higher than two clubs likely to be in a relegation scrap for much of this season.
Last season, he scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists in 47 appearances for PSV, but he has really stepped up his output in the current season. He has been in scintillating form for PSV this campaign, registering 13 goals and 17 assists from just 24 appearances across all competitions. Indeed, he’s currently leading the charts in the Dutch Eredivise.
The forward has only warranted further interest with his performances for Oranje in the 2022 World Cup, with three goals in five games.
PSV have reportedly slapped a whopping €60 million price tag on Gakpo amid interest from Arsenal and United. However, it seems the Dutch giants have accepted their faith regarding keeping hold of their talisman.
And according to PSV head coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy himself, the 23-year-old striker is set to leave next month. Speaking with Voetbal International, he said: “If I have the choice, I prefer [Gakpo to leave in] the summer, but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can’t say no.”
He has been extensively linked with Manchester United, but his goal-scoring exploits this season appear to have prompted the Gunners to enter the transfer battle.
Arsenal are expected to flex their muscles in the transfer market next month as they look for a short-term replacement for Gabriel Jesus following the forward’s knee injury. The Brazilian was instrumental in helping Mikel Arteta’s side become a surprise title contender, but he is expected to be out for several months.
Gakpo could be the perfect option for Arteta’s side and could even act as cover for multiple frontline positions thanks to his versatility.
As for Manchester United, they are in the market for a forward as well after tearing up the final six months of Cristiano Ronaldo’s lucrative contract earlier this month. United manager Erik ten Hag is a big fan of Gakpo, whom he knows from his time managing the PSV academy and with whom he has maintained a friendship over the years.
The Red Devils were keen on landing Gakpo from PSV during the last transfer window, but a deal did not come to fruition after they blew their entire budget on Antony. The Manchester giants are poised to reignite their interest in the forward next month.
