Arsenal have been given an extra incentive to sign Cody Gakpo at the end of the season. The youngster has had an excellent season at PSV Eindhoven which has been proven by his goal contributions.
The winger ranks in the top 10 for the most goals and assists combined in Europe this season for players under the age of 23. He excelled in this campaign, which explains why Arsenal have reportedly been hot on his tail.
The Gunners have lacked a player who has a knack for goal contributions so far this season and it is for that reason that Edu should be doing what it takes to secure Gakpo’s signature at the end of the season.
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According to Dutch news outlet AD Sportwereld, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund are all after Gakpo’s signature. However, Arsenal are leading the race to land him in a deal that could be worth £35m, a price quoted by The Athletic.
Liverpool’s recruitment in the forward department has been nothing short of spectacular in recent years, meaning their reported interest should give the Gunners encouragement that the Dutchman will go on to succeed in the Premier League. The youngster has scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists this season
The 22-year-old has played 42 games on the left-hand side for PSV this 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 has scored 19 goals from the left wing and two goals in three games as a striker.
This is similar to Gabriel Martinelli, meaning if the Dutch forward joined the club, there could be a lot of interchanging between the new signing and the Brazilian. Gakpo could initially struggle to play as a striker in the Premier League due to the increased competitiveness of the league compared to the Eredivisie. It would be wise for him to feature on the wings before eventually transitioning into the striker position.
Despite the doubts concerning the winger’s ability to adapt to the Premier League due to the physicality, the Dutchman has already ticked some of Arteta’s boxes when it comes to being important in the dressing room, which has been proven by the fact that Gakpo is vice-captain at PSV. It highlights that he would certainly adapt to the culture at Arsenal.
The fact that Gakpo is ranking amongst Europe’s best youngsters this season highlights the potential he has and the tools he possesses to succeed in the Premier League. It is certainly a transfer that Mikel Arteta and Edu should explore at the end of the season.
