Arsenal 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.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Cody Gakpo. But, a deal never materialised, meaning the winger stayed in Eindhoven following the market's closing.
However, the Dutch winger has been performing excellently since the closure of the summer transfer window. And the Gunners have been given a boost in securing his signature thanks to Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk.
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Speaking about Gakpo’s next transfer move after his Holland side beat the USA 3-1 in the last 16 of the World Cup, Van Dijk said: “Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all.
I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell. “ He added.
“He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.”
According to 90min, the Red Devils have set the January transfer window as the chance to sign Gakpo for £43.5milion. The Dutch international was also heavily linked with Manchester United in the previous summer transfer window.
But, Arsenal were one of several Premier League clubs interested in PSV winger Gakpo, football.london understands. Arsenal 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, which Gakpo could be the solution to.
He 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.
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.
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