Arsenal transfer target Cody Gakpo has delivered a fresh verdict on his future after Manchester United entered the race to sign the Dutch talent.
The Gunners are very interested in signing the 23-year-old but a deal could prove difficult due to Gakpo's desire to play regular first team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup this winter, football.london understands. The Netherlands international is one of many talented wingers that have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Yeremy Pino, Moussa Diaby and Leroy Sane also rumoured to be on technical director Edu's shortlist.
Gakpo established himself as one of Eredivisie's most promising attackers last term, netting 21 goals and providing a further 15 assists across all competitions. The 23-year-old is currently focusing on securing Champions League football this season with PSV Eindhoven taking another step to achieving that after beating Monaco 4-3 over two legs in the third qualifying round.
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The Eredivisie outfit are now set to take on Rangers with the winner securing their spot in the Champions League for the 2022/23 season. Gakpo has now hinted that his future is more likely to be in the Netherlands should PSV qualify for Europe's elite club competition.
Speaking to ESPN after PSV's first leg 1-1 draw against Monaco, Gakpo said: "We must first focus on [the second leg against Monaco] and try to make it to the Champions League, then it is more likely that I will stay. I don't think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay."
Now that PSV have advanced into the final play-off round, the chances Gakpo leaves the Dutch outfit this summer are getting increasingly unlikely. The 23-year-old's current deal runs until 2026 after signing a new four-year deal back in January, with reports suggesting it would take a fee in the region of £40million for PSV to open negotiations for the winger.
"I'm open for a cup of coffee with the management - or coffee for them and water for me. We'll see how it goes," the 23-year-old added. PSV have already rebuffed advances Arsenal, Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham Forest this summer and have no desire to part ways with Gakpo.
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