Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions are still needed.
The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger throughout the window without much success. And Edu could be set to lose out on another wing target in Cody Gakpo if the Brazilian is not proactive.
According to the Telegraph, Manchester United are ready to go all-out to sign PSV forward Cody Gakpo after getting the deal over the line, however their main focus I reportedly on Antony from Ajax which gives the Gunners a chance to swoop in for Gakpo.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Gakpo is ready to join Manchester United in case they set an official proposal. But, currently, the Red Devils are focused on signing Antony with the Daily Mail reporting that Ajax have raised the price tag for the Brazilian to £84m.
This creates an excellent opportunity for Arsenal to swoop in with an offer of their own before Manchester United can switch their attentions to the Dutchman. Transfer steals have been a regular theme in this window with Barcelona snatching multiple targets away from Chelsea.
Arsenal are one of several Premier League clubs interested in PSV winger Cody Gakpo, football.london understands. Further reports have gone on to say that he could be signed for around £35million.
Mikel Arteta hugely admires Gakpo following a stellar 2021/22 campaign that saw the Dutch international net 21 goals and provide a further 15 assists in 47 outings and he is one name on the north London club's list of potential alternatives to Barcelona wideman Raphinha.
Gakpo played 42 games on the left-hand side for PSV last season, and played another three games as a centre-forward. However, he has shown a clinical nature from whatever position he is playing in, as he scored 19 goals from the left wing and two goals in three games as a striker.
There could be more clarity on Manchester United’s pursuit of Gakpo in the coming week as The Daily Record reported that PSV have told Gakpo that he will not be allowed to leave the club until after the Champions League qualifiers against Rangers. The second leg next fixture taking place on August 24.
If Arsenal want to sign their long-term target in Gakpo then Edu must be proactive in completing this deal. With the uncertainty surrounding Antony’s transfer, there is every chance that Manchester United will instead come in for the PSV winger.
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