A huge task awaits Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu this summer, with football.london understanding that two forwards make up just one part of their shopping list. However, a recent admission from reported target Cody Gakpo should give them confidence a deal can be struck.
Speaking to The Sun, Gakpo revealed that he would like to one day play in the Premier League and named Arsenal as a team he often looks up to, with one club legend at the centre of his inspiration as a player.
“Everybody wants to play one time in the Prem,” he said. “I don’t favour one team but I like Arsenal a lot. I looked up to [Thierry] Henry when I was younger because he was a tall guy who played on the wing.
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“The Premier League is a big league. Virgil van Dijk plays there with Liverpool so I like to watch them. We are not the same kind of league but I think we try to look at the Prem and learn about it.”
Gakpo also reiterated that it is his dream to play regular Champions League football, but admitted that it may not be possible straight away depending on which club comes in for him.
“If I can make a step to a team who plays in the Champions League every season, of course it is my dream. But I still have a contract. Maybe there comes a club I cannot say no to. Maybe they won’t come and I have to stay but for now I just want to keep working on this season.”
Arsenal currently find themselves fifth in the league level on points with rivals Tottenham, although they do have an extra game in hand. Champions League qualification is the ultimate goal for the Gunners this season and if that can be secured, perhaps it will be the icing on the cake for Gakpo.
The 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven forward is catching the eyes of many top European sides this season after scoring 17 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions so far. As well as showcasing his clear quality with the ball, the Dutch international already possesses great leadership skills which have led to him captaining the team on a regular basis.
Additionally, his versatility is also an added bonus that will no doubt attract Arteta considering the current depth concerns within his squad. Gakpo can comfortably operate on either wing or through the middle in a central forward role, he has also played as an attacking midfielder on one occasion.
A recent report from Voetbal International states that Arsenal are in 'pole position' and currently leading the race to sign the highly-rated forward, with PSV said to be looking for a sum between £30 million and £42 million for his services.
