Arsenal are among the Premier League clubs to have reportedly shown an interest in PSV Eindhoven star, Cody Gakpo.
The Netherlands international, 23, was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United in the summer transfer window, and the door opened for the Whites to make a move after Manchester United opted to sign Antony from Ajax instead of the PSV Eindhoven forward. However, he was reluctant to make the switch to Leeds United and decided to stay with PSV.
According to The Athletic, Cody Gakpo now harbours bigger ambition and could be keen to sign for either Arsenal or Manchester United in January. Leeds United and PSV Eindhoven have continued talks after a proposed move collapsed, but the 23-year-old is not interested in moving to Elland Road.
Gakpo has made a flying start to the 2022/23 season, banging in 13 goals and 10 assists in just 16 appearances, and his stock could only rise further if he impresses at the World Cup in Qatar next month. Real Madrid have also joined the race for the Dutchman, whose contract at PSV runs until 2026, the report adds.
Cody Gakpo to Arsenal—Should they make a move?
Arsenal have got off to a dream start to the season, winning eight of their first nine league matches thus far. They sit at the summit of the Premier League which shows the major progress the Gunners have made under Mikel Arteta.
There is a positive vibe and energy around the Emirates Stadium, with summer signings such as Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko lifting Arteta’s side to another level. The deserved 3-2 home win over Liverpool at the weekend underlined Arsenal’s title credentials this season, although Arteta will be wary of how unforgiving the league is and its unpredictability.
Having made such a great start to the campaign, Arsenal could be tempted to spend in January to boost their title hopes. In that case, a central midfielder to compete with Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny should be the priority. In addition, a forward could do well for the north London giants, thereby, making Cody Gakpo a smart fit.
Gakpo has established himself as one of the best performers in the Eredivisie over the past 12-15 months. Since breaking into the senior PSV side back in the 2018/19 campaign, he has amassed 55 goals and 43 assists in just over 150 appearances. The 23-year-old’s performances in the Eredivisie have not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal among the clubs keeping tabs on his progress.
In Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Marquinhos, Arteta has top attacking talents at his disposal, and the addition of Cody Gakpo would only further enhance the Gunners’ squad. Thus, Arsenal should not rest on their laurels in the attacking department and take the opportunity to sign a sublime talent like Gakpo in the winter transfer window to boost their title hopes.
However, with clubs like Man United, Real Madrid and Leeds United all linked with his signature, Arteta and the club must start making plans from now to sign the PSV Eindhoven star.