Arsenal are doing their best to bypass PSV's creative scheme to sign Cody Gakpo after the Dutch club set a deadline for their prized asset.
The Gunners are one of several clubs interested in the winger who impressed for Eindhoven this season en route to the Europa Conference League final. PSV are hoping to keep Cody Gakpo at the club next year, however, by creating a special financial package to fend off interest from his suitors, according to Eindhovens Dagblad.
They have devised a scheme that would include a wage bonus and enticing contractual promises with PSV chiefs prepared to elevate his status in the squad as their most important asset. Gakpo can collect a considerable part of the transfer fee himself, as a result, but only if he stays beyond this summer and a club are willing to pay his £34m asking price.
The 23-year-old still has four years left on his contract at PSV, but technical director John de Jong indicated earlier this week they expect at least one bid this summer. "We intend to keep the group together. So we would like Cody to play here next season", De Jong said.
"I certainly think he can continue to grow here. If he stays for another year, it will only be better for the club. We will bet on that. We have a lot of interesting players at PSV, which European top clubs are looking at."
De Jong insists Gakpo's situation will not turn into a summer-long saga and his future will be resolved by the start of August at the very latest. "It will not last until September 1 with Cody, I don't think he wants that either. At the beginning of August, then things should be clear," expects De Jong.
Should Arsenal sign Cody Gakpo this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
Gakpo spoke about his future last week and admitted he is still unsure about where he will be playing his football next season. He also claimed if he leaves PSV it would be to a club that would guarantee him regular minutes ahead of the World Cup later this year.
"Anything can happen this summer," he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf. "I will now calmly compare all the options and see what is best for me. Staying another year is also an option. It would be a shame if I went somewhere where I wouldn't get a job at all and I could miss the World Cup. I'll keep that in mind."
