Arsenal have been told that both Manchester United and Liverpool are better options for Cody Gakpo than the Gunners. Mikel Arteta and Edu look set to enter the January transfer window in search of a striker following the injury to Gabriel Jesus.
The PSV star was linked with a Premier League move in the summer with United and Leeds both interested. Following his stellar final five months of 2022, a number of clubs are now eyeing up a potential January swoop for Gakpo, with Arsenal particularly keen.
Gakpo has 18 goals and 18 assists from 33 competitive appearances this season which equals at least one goal contribution per 90. PSV were hoping to hold out until the summer of 2023 before letting Gakpo go but reports indicate that, after an impressive World Cup and a great start to the season in his home country, if a bid around £40million comes in, he will likely leave the club in January.
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently commented on the club's January plans revealing that acquiring a striker was on the agenda following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Dutchman, when asked whether United would sign a striker in January, told Manchester Evening News: "Yes, but only when we find the right player. We do everything in our power. We are doing research on every opportunity and we do everything we can if that opportunity is there to contract them."
Even before the termination of Ronaldo's contract, United's plans to purchase a striker would have likely still been a priority, and Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio expects United to be in the race with one other Premier League club, but not Arsenal.
"He fits perfectly with Klopp's playing style at Liverpool," Di Marzio told soccernews.nl. "But perhaps even better at Manchester United, now that they no longer have access to Cristiano Ronaldo. There is room for a player like him and for Gakpo now is the right time to move to the Premier League."
The Italian journalist also went on to talk about the likelihood of Gakpo leaving PSV in January, but seemed to suggest that a deal is far more likely to happen in the summer.
"Only Premier League clubs can afford him, because PSV asks a lot of money for him. So I think it will be a battle between Manchester United and Liverpool. Maybe in January, but I don't think so.
"I expect that we will be dealing with a 'different' market in January. It will probably be the summer, but it is quite possible that Manchester United are already starting negotiations, because they have to replace Ronaldo"
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