Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Bailey Keogh

Arsenal face tough £43.5m transfer competition amid Man Utd's stern Cristiano Ronaldo stance

Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good summer window, more acquisitions are still needed in January.

The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger since the start of the season without much success. However, Arsenal’s luck could be about to change as Cody Gakpo's transfer move has started to become increasingly more likely going into the January transfer window.

But, Arsenal were one of several Premier League clubs interested in PSV winger Gakpo, football.london understands. And after Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial interview with Piers Morgan, it’s being reported that Manchester United are now looking to replace the forward with Gakpo.

READ MORE: Mykhaylo Mudryk issues another Arsenal transfer reminder for Edu amid £86m 'positive talks'

According to 90min, the Red Devils have set the January transfer window as the chance to sign Gakpo for £43.5milion. The Dutch international was also heavily linked with Manchester United in the previous summer transfer window.

Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens, but there is a risk of burnout, which Gakpo could be the solution to.

He played 42 games on the left-hand side for PSV last season and played another three games as a centre-forward. However, he has shown a clinical nature from whatever position he is playing in, as he scored 19 goals from the left wing and two goals in three games as a striker.

Despite the doubts concerning the winger’s ability to adapt to the Premier League due to the physicality, the Dutchman has already ticked some of Arteta’s boxes when it comes to being important in the dressing room, which has been proven by the fact that Gakpo is vice-captain at PSV. It highlights that he would certainly adapt to the culture at Arsenal.

If Arsenal want to sign their long-term target in Gakpo, then Edu must be proactive in completing this deal. This has been further emphasised by the fact that Manchester United are now reportedly looking to replace Ronaldo.

READ NEXT:

Gabriel Martinelli opens up on major Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moment amid Arsenal transfer move

Dusan Vlahovic set for Emirates debut with long-term Arsenal transfer target heading to London

Shakhtar Donetsk chief drops huge Arsenal transfer hint amid Mykhaylo Mudryk January 'offer'

Full list of Arsenal players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup including Thomas Partey decision

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.