Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions are still needed.
The Gunners have been searching for a midfielder and a winger throughout the window without much success. However, Arsenal’s luck could be about to change as Cody Gakpo's transfer situation will gain more clarity following the end of the Champions League qualifiers.
The Dutchman’s PSV Eindhoven side is set to go head-to-head with Rangers in the battle for Champions League qualification. If PSV lose over two legs, Arsenal could potentially be given more access to his signature.
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Arsenal are one of several Premier League clubs interested in PSV winger Cody Gakpo, football.london understands. Further reports have gone on to say that he could be signed for around £35million.
Mikel Arteta hugely admires Gakpo following a stellar 2021/22 campaign that saw the Dutch international net 21 goals and provide a further 15 assists in 47 outings and he is one name on the north London club's list of potential alternatives to Barcelona wideman Raphinha.
The Daily Record reported that PSV have told Gakpo that he will not be allowed to leave the club until after the Champions League qualifiers against Rangers. The first leg takes place this evening, with the next fixture taking place 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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