Arsenal are interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo should the Gunners fail to secure a deal for Leeds United star Raphinha.
football.london reported earlier this year that Arsenal were interested in signing the Netherlands international this summer despite the 22-year-old extending his contract with PSV in January. Gakpo scored 18 goals and registered 15 assists in 42 games across all competitions for the Dutch outfit last season.
According to reports, the north Londoners could make a move for Gakpo should they fail to land Leeds superstar Raphinha. Chelsea and Barcelona are currently frontrunners for the Brazilian's signature, with the Blues having agreed a fee in the region of £65million with Leeds.
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Arsenal have already confirmed three signings so far this summer with Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira all moving to the Emirates. Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus looks set to become the Gunners' fourth summer signing after the club agreed a £45million deal to bring the Brazilian to north London earlier this week.
With Chelsea and Barcelona leading the race for Raphinha, Arsenal may be forced into looking for an alternative target to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season. Leeds are targeting a move for Gakpo themselves with the club now resigned to losing their Brazilian star this summer, but Arsenal could beat them to the 22-year-old's signature due to the appeal of European football at the Emirates next season.
Arteta knows he needs a larger squad to compete on all fronts next season after the Gunners qualified for the Europa League. Earlier this year, the Spaniard said: “The Champions League and the Europa League both require a much larger squad because the amount of games is much bigger.
"If we can afford it financially and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to, what I want is 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers. A lot of things have to be put in place and that takes time, so I am expecting a busy summer.”
The Gunners are still pursuing deals for Lisandro Martinez and Youri Tielemans as they look to push for a top-four spot next season and fight for trophies.
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