Arsenal and Manchester United have been told they have the advantage in the Cody Gakpo transfer race over Liverpool as both clubs could offer the Dutchman more minutes on the pitch. The injury to Gabriel Jesus for the Gunners and the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford means both Arsenal and United are on the lookout in January for a new attacker.
Liverpool meanwhile, bought Darwin Nunez in the summer which would mean spots in their frontline would be harder for Gakpo to hold down, despite the long-term injuries to Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz.
Premier League interest in Gakpo is understandable given he boasts a hugely impressive goal-contribution record for the 2022/23 season for both club and country in all competitions. From 34 appearances across six different competitions, the 23-year-old has has been involved in 36 goals.
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After impressive displays for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, Gakpo was also the Netherlands' talisman at the 2022 World Cup scoring three goals from five games, although none came beyond the group stages with the Dutch knocked out in the quarter-finals by Argentina.
Nevertheless, his displays in Qatar have likely only seen his stock rise and a 10-word admission from PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has given Liverpool, Arsenal and United significant hope of signing the 23-year-old in January.
"There comes a time when you can't say no anymore," he told Voetball. Former Liverpool winger John Barnes has now had his say on the Gakpo transfer saga where he initially handed the advantage to United before also suggesting Arsenal could be a suitable destination.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets, he said: "I think a move for Cody Gakpo would make sense for Manchester United. Ronaldo has left and they haven’t exactly hung their hat on Anthony Martial to say he will be their main No.9.
"They are looking for a centre forward because Rashford likes to play out wide so I think Gakpo would get more playing time at Manchester United than at Liverpool and he would also suit Manchester United more.
"Someone that is a goal scoring threat that also works hard for the team is an asset. Maybe Arsenal should even be looking at Gakpo due to the situation with Gabriel Jesus."
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