Manchester United could gift Arsenal a free run at Cody Gakpo after Erik ten Hag identified Chelsea target Rafael Leao as suitable alternative. The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium earlier in the year but a failed to materialise.
In July, football.london understood that Mikel Arteta's side were one of several clubs in England interested in the 23-year-old winger. It's believed that Gakpo would be open to a Premier League move but any decision over his future will be made after the World Cup.
However, signing the Dutchman could now be harder than first though after taking the World Cup by storm. Gakpo has found the net in each of the Netherlands' three group stage clashes, joining the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Dennis Bergkamp in an elite group of players to have ever completed such feat.
READ MORE: How Lionel Messi can gift Chelsea the surprise transfer solution to Graham Potter's big worry
With Gakpo becoming an increasingly attractive option for some of Europe's big clubs ahead of the January transfer window, United are said to have found a 'plan B'. According to ESPN, club chiefs are monitoring AC Milan star Leao as an alternative to the PSV forward.
The Portugal international, who sees his deal at the San Siro expire in 2024, was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move collapsed. According to journalist Carlo Garganese, the Blues are "still in touch" with Leao over a potential move to west London and they're said to be one of the frontrunners.
If United are to focus their efforts on Leao and surrender their interest in Gakpo then Chelsea will be handed a huge setback but Arsenal could be gifted a nice boost. Nevertheless, the Blues and the Gunners must prepare to spend big in January with the Netherlands star set to cost €80million (£69million) if he continues his great vein of form and Leao's asking price reportedly at €150million (£130.5million).
Speaking to De Telegraaf, former Holland star Sneijder said: "How much he will raise [for PSV] depends largely on this World Cup. If he scores two or three more here, it could be €80million (£69million). That’s how it works.
"First he has to finish this World Cup well and then show for another six months at PSV that he really stands out. With his speed and dribbling ability, the English Premier League, where there is a lot of space, suits him best."
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter welcomes new player to Chelsea training as Ben Chilwell fitness hint provided
Chelsea given major transfer boost for the 'next Neymar' as £15m deal 'agreed' in PSG hijack
Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer: £179m contract agreed, Todd Boehly talks, Potter verdict
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
