Liverpool surprised the footballing world on Monday evening, when it was announced that the Reds had agreed a deal to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven ahead of the January transfer window. This came after the Dutch international was linked to a host of Premier League clubs.
On Wednesday the move was formally confirmed by Liverpool. Gakpo will officially become a Reds player at the start of the January transfer window, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal.
Luis Diaz signed for Liverpool in the same fashion last year, as the swiftness from the Reds prevented any other competitor from swooping in for his signature - with Tottenham thought to be frontrunners at the time. This is a model that Edu must look to repeat in the January transfer window.
READ MORE: Arsenal told how to seal Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer by Shakhtar chief amid Jack Grealish claim
Mykhaylo Mudryk has been linked with Arsenal and rival clubs in the Premier League. But Edu can follow Liverpool’s blueprint in securing a deal before the January transfer window opens to prevent further competition, which could lead the Gunners to losing their key target.
Arsenal have had an excellent start to the season as Mikel Arteta’s side currently top the Premier League table. The Gunners only suffered one defeat in first 14 matches of the season. However, questions have arose on whether Arsenal can maintain their form after the World Cup break.
The Gunners were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens, but there is a risk of burnout.
With the Gunners projected to finish at least in a Champions League qualification spot next season, it is important that depth is added to the forward areas. Mudryk would certainly be an excellent acquisition and Arsenal are already putting themselves in a great position to secure a deal.
football.london understands that Arsenal submitted a bid in region of £55million to sign Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk ahead of the January window. That bid was rejected, with the Ukrainian club holding out for a larger fee.
Amid recent interest in Mudryk, Shakhtar Donetsk's deputy Sporting Director Carlo Nicolini spoke on a potential deal vis Calciomercato. He said: "Arsenal and Manchester City are two teams that have taken an interest but there are also other clubs.
"We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100million (£86million)."
Mudryk made an admission about his admiration for Arsenal that could boost chances of potential deal. "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League," Mudryk admitted. "It's hard to say [who his preferred move is] but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach, I like the way they play."
When asked if he would make a move to the Emirates Stadium he said: "From my side, I can't say no [to Arsenal]. But the transfer is not only my decision."
He also spoke in an interview with Vlada Sedan, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s wife, and the 21-year-old suggested the amount of interest from Arsenal supporters was not something he expected.
"One surprise for me was how many Arsenal fans followed me," Mudryk said back in November. "No other club’s fans have interacted as much as them. Telling me that they are waiting for me, saying 'come to us'. One of my recent posts has over 500 comments saying that."
With a deal on the cards for the Gunners, Edu must look to follow in Liverpool’s footsteps on how the signed Gakpo, in order to prevent a potential transfer steal for Mudryk from a rival club in the Premier League.
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