Arsenal have been dealt an additional transfer setback as reported target Cody Gakpo has signed a new contract with current side PSV.
The Gunners are in search of a new centre-forward as Mikel Arteta hopes to sign a long-term replacement for exiled captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and out-of-contract strikers Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette.
football.london understands that the club are open to offers for Aubameyang, who would prefer to stay in Europe despite Saudi side Al-Nassir's interest in his services.
And French news outlet Foot Mercato claimed that the north London outfit were keen on the aforementioned Gakpo, who is reportedly valued at around €30million (£25m).
However, a January move for the 22-year-old looks extremely unlikely now after the Dutch international signed a new contract with the Eredivisie giants, penning a deal until 2026.
Still, footballing icon Marco van Basten has admitted that the youngster isn't ready for a move to the Premier League, telling Gakpo to develop his game more before leaving the Dutch top-flight.
"He has been in the Eredivisie for a year now," Van Basten told Voetbal4U when asked about his compatriot.
"You have to have a basis to succeed abroad. That is three, four years in the Netherlands.
"Then you’re just a bit stronger, a bit better prepared for the higher level abroad – because it all goes much harder and faster. But nowadays, they all want to leave after one year.
"The sooner you leave, the greater the chance of not succeeding. If you don’t succeed in those two, three years, then you go to another club that is less. Then your career is going to look very nasty."
