Arsenal and Manchester United have both been heavily linked with a move for Netherlands and PSV star Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old has registered 35 goal contributions for club and country so far this season, more than any other player in Europe.
The Dutch talent was rumoured to be on the verge of securing a move the Premier League in the summer, but opted to stay with his boyhood club, PSV Eindhoven, ahead of the World Cup. football.london understands the Gunners hold a long-term interest in Gakpo and would submit a bid should a rival come in for the talented winger.
Gakpo starred for the Netherlands and scored the opening goal against Senegal before Davy Klaassen sealed the win with a second in injury time. Mikel Arteta is said to want a new forward to bolster his attacking options for the second half of the season with the Gunners challenging both domestically and in Europe.
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After helping the Netherlands secure their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over the USA, Gakpo admitted he will decide on his future after the 2022 World Cup. When asked about his club future, the PSV star told The Athletic: “I have to be honest, I am not thinking about that now.
“I am focused on the tournament and want to keep performing well, to keep helping the team. Hopefully, when we become world champions we can think about other things.
“I try to keep focused and the other players don’t really speak about that kind of thing.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar will surely have noted Gakpo's comments as he prepares plans for the January transfer window. The Gunners are said to be interested in signing a new winger to strengthen their attack heading into a crucial second half of the season, as they prepare to continue fighting for the Premier League title and Europa League.
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