The pressure is mounting on Arsenal to complete more signings ahead of tomorrow's deadline, with a new forward believed to be at the top of Mikel Arteta's shopping list.
Speaking last week, the Spaniard admitted that Nicolas Pepe's departure could lead to a replacement coming in although reiterated that it wasn't a guarantee. Bukayo Saka is currently being relied upon far too often, increasing fears over an injury or burnout, and Pepe's exit has only seen those fears increase.
Arsenal have been linked to a number of wingers throughout the summer, starting off with an unsuccessful attempt to bring Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium. Names had gone quiet since as the focus turned to outgoings before Pedro Neto emerged as another candidate last week. It was reported that the Portuguese international was Arteta and Edu's priority in the final days of the window but any deal now looks unlikely, according to The Athletic.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed Mykhaylo Mudryk dilemma as Premier League rival challenges Edu with £25m bid
As the options have narrowed down, so have the fans' hopes of someone coming in. Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk is believed to be on Arsenal's radar, though Brentford appear to be making the most effort to secure his signature at the moment.
Another player who is unlikely to make the move to north London is PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo. That's because Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink has claimed that Arsenal are one of a number of clubs to have passed by the chance of signing the player, leaving Southampton in pole position to land the 23-year-old.
Gakpo enjoyed a standout 2021/22 season, scoring 21 goals and providing 15 assists in 47 appearances. He has also made a good start to the new campaign with four goals and six assists in eight games. His ability to play anywhere across the front three in addition to possessing the captain's armband at a young age are all qualities which have seen him catch the eye of several clubs across Europe, with Arsenal said to be one of them.
Despite the apparent interest, however, the Gunners appear to be steering clear of Gakpo despite the need to strengthen their own attack. This could be down to a number of reasons including PSV's asking price, having other preferred targets or the injury sustained by Mohamed Elneny. Reports surfaced yesterday that the midfielder suffered a 'significant' injury which could alter Arteta and Edu's plans on the final day of the window.
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