After an evident need for strengthening toward the back of the previous season, Arsenal made a solid start to the summer transfer window by addressing both the forward and defense positions. Even if the window is off to a fantastic start, further purchases are still required.
The Gunners have spent the entire transfer window looking for a midfielder and a winger without much success. Arsenal’s luck might be about to change, though, as Cody Gakpo’s transfer situation will become clearer once the Champions League qualifying matches are over.
Rangers and the Dutchman’s PSV Eindhoven team will face off in the race for Champions League qualifying. Arsenal might have easier access to his signature if PSV loses in two legs.
Football Audit has learned that a number of Premier League teams are interested in PSV winger Cody Gakpo, including Arsenal. According to further rumours, he might be acquired for about £35 million.
Gakpo, a Dutch international who scored 21 goals and contributed 15 assists in 47 games in 2021–2022, is one name on the north London club’s list of potential replacements for Barcelona wideman Raphinha, whom Mikel Arteta really admires.
According to the Daily Record, Gakpo has been informed by PSV that he is not permitted to quit the team until after the Champions League qualifying matches against Rangers. The first leg is this evening, and the return match will be on August 24.
Arteta is thought to be on the lookout for a new winger before the window slams shut, and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has been the strongest hint yet that the club is serious about recruiting one. Considering there hasn’t been any movement since suggests that the chance to secure the Brazilian’s services was too good to ignore.
The 22-year-old 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.
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.
However, Arsenal are not totally clear of competitors when it comes to securing his signature. Transfer guru Romano has offered an update on Arsenal and Manchester United’s pursuit of Gakpo in his latest CaughtOffside column. “Cody Gakpo is a player on the Manchester United list, but PSV Eindhoven have not yet received an official offer. They’re expecting that step to understand if Man United will want to get serious for Gakpo,” Romano explained.
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