Robin van Persie has endorsed Arsenal target Cody Gakpo following the Gunners' 2-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League group stages. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer but an exit from the Eredivisie failed to materialise.
football.london understands that Mikel Arteta's side is one of many clubs interested in Gakpo's services. It's also understood that the forward is keen to one day play in the Premier League, but for now, his priority is making the Netherlands squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
With the north Londoners up against growing competition for his signature following impressive displays, Van Persie has told Arsenal what they could be potentially surrendering to their rivals. Speaking on BT Sport, the former Gunners striker labelled Gakpo as a jack-of-all-trades in the final third.
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"He is a good player," Van Persie said. "He always finds a way in most games to have an influence in terms of making an assist or a goal. He is not really an out-and-out striker, but he can play as a No.10, out on the wing. He can play in those positions."
As the £38million-rated star faces an increasingly uncertain future at PSV, head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted that Gakpo's departure is inevitable. The former Manchester United striker said: "It's not only Premier League clubs after him.
"His quality and form over the last three or four months has been exceptional. His stats and goals draw the attention of big clubs in European football.
"He is 23 and is focusing on his career with us at club level and having a great World Cup. He wants to continue that. When the time comes, he will make decisions."
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are ready to make two signings in the January transfer window as Arteta looks to further strengthen his side, having laid the foundations to a Premier League title charge. It's said that the Gunners are targeting a midfielder and a winger if possible.
Wolves talisman Pedro Neto was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer. Though, according to a report from Portuguese outlet O'Jogo, the Gunners had 'no chance' of prising the 22-year-old away from Wolves.
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