Manchester United’s long search for a forward in the summer transfer window could be approaching an end with Cody Gakpo reportedly interested in joining the club.
United have been chasing a versatile forward ever since Erik ten Hag arrived at the club, but, much like with their pursuit of Barcelona ’s Frenkie de Jong, have come up short so far. Ten Hag initially urged his club to sign Anthony from his former club Ajax, but they have now abandoned that move due to the Dutch club’s £70million valuation.
The 2-1 defeat by Brighton on Sunday has prompted the club to step up their efforts to sign a forward, with Cristiano Ronaldo the only fully fit centre-forward after Anthony Martial’s injury. United’s interest in Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic has already been abandoned, leaving Gakpo as their remaining prime target.
They could finally be onto a winner, with the Telegraph reporting that Gakpo is interested in joining Ten Hag, who is represented by the same agency. The 23-year-old returned an impressive 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 league games last year and has attracted attention from far and wide.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Gakpo, who is right-footed and primarily plays on the left wing. PSV Eindhoven don’t want to lose their star player, but might be forced to sell if an offer in the region of £35million is submitted.
United have made their enquiries clear with PSV, who are managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy, but are yet to make an official offer. Gakpo is aware of the transfer interest in his services, but remains committed to the cause with his current club.
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"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," he told ESPN before PSV’s 3-2 win ensured a 4-3 victory on aggregate over Monaco on Tuesday night and booked a play-off against Rangers.
"I don't think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay. 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."
United missed out on another target earlier this week, with RB Leipzig confirming a deal to sign exciting young forward Benjamin Sesko next summer. Gakpo netted 21 goals in 47 games across all competitions last season and is seen as ready for the step up to the Premier League.
The Telegraph says agents have also encouraged United to consider Atletico Madrid’s former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata. The Spanish striker was expected to move to Juventus on a permanent basis after a long loan spell and Atleti are now desperate to offload him a year before his contract expires. United are unlikely to be interested in the 29-year-old, who struggled during his three years at Chelsea.
