Arsenal missed out on signing Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window after being heavily linked with a move for the Dutchman last summer. The Netherlands international completed a £40million move to Liverpool last month as Jurgen Klopp bolstered his attacking options following injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
The Gunners' priority was to sign Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk and despite meeting the £88million valuation, the Ukrainian winger signed for London rivals Chelsea instead. Mikel Arteta was keen on adding a new attacker to his squad given Gabriel Jesus' knee injury which led to a deal being completed for Leandro Trossard.
The 28-year-old sealed a £27million move to the Emirates Stadium and was followed by the arrivals of Jakub Kiwior from Spezia and Jorginho from the Blues. Many questioned Trossard's signing given he does not fit into Arsenal's vision of signing younger talents, but his Premier League experience and versatility is seen as a huge addition to Arteta's squad.
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Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes Arsenal have benefitted from the arrival of Trossard and Jorginho, claiming the Belgian forward was a better option for the Gunners. Enrique told Genting Casino: "Cody Gakpo played a lot better against Everton as a false 9, but the problem is who is going to play there because Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz will be back.
"They will have about three options in those attacking positions - which is a good problem for the manager. As for him becoming a World Class player, I have my doubts.
"I think Cody Gakpo is a good player but they spent a lot of money on him. I guess he was the right player at the right time but time will tell.
"For me personally, Leandro Trossard was the better option for me despite the fact he is an older player. Arsenal were lucky to get an experienced player in Jorginho, too.
"I am tired with the obsession of age. Premier League clubs are only thinking about age at the moment.
"If you are a top team - you should be able to sign a decent 28-year-old player who can play at a decent level for about 3-4 years. When the time comes, re-invest.
"For me, Gakpo was a good signing because he is young, had good numbers and has experience internationally. Hopefully, I am wrong about Trossard being the better signing, but I see Gakpo more as a false nine rather than a winger."
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