Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo as more clubs eye a potential move for the forward. The Gunners have long been linked with a potential transfer for the 23-year-old, who has had an electric start to the campaign.
Gakpo has scored 13 goals in all competitions so far this season, racking up 22 goal involvements in total as his stock continues to rise. Amid links with a move to the Emirates Stadium, football.london understands that Mikel Arteta has been an admirer of the PSV forward.
football.london also understands that Gakpo is keen on a move to the Premier League, however, any decision over his future will be made after the upcoming World Cup. The 23-year-old is eyeing a place in Louis van Gaal's Netherlands squad for the competition in Qatar next month.
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While he is yet to make a decision on a move, that could hand an advantage to the Gunners, who are in need of some extra depth in the wide positions. Bukayo Saka remains the only senior first-team option on the right wing, while injury to Emile Smith Rowe on the left has thinned the squad slightly.
However, if they are to eye a potential transfer in January, they could face plenty of competition. A number of sides continue to be linked with Gakpo. However, The Athletic reports that European champions Real Madrid are among those monitoring the youngster over a deal.
The report also claims that a lot of that may depend on how he performs during the World Cup, though PSV are willing to sell if an appropriate bid is tabled, despite having a contract that runs until 2026. It remains to be seen whether a deal will happen, but it could prove to be a serious blow to the Gunners.
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