Arsenal transfer target Cody Gakpo has been one of the shining lights of the World Cup so far, scoring three goals in the Netherlands group stage campaign. The PSV forward struck in all three of his country's group games which saw him join Wesley Sneijder, Dennis Bergkamp and Johan Neeskens as a Dutch player to score in three consecutive World Cup games.
Several clubs have been heavily linked with Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window after Manchester United and Leeds showed interest in the Dutch international over the summer. The 23-year-old now has an impressive 18 goals and 18 assists from 32 games in all competitions this season.
Mikel Arteta and Edu are set for a hugely important January transfer window as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of a potential Premier League title challenge. The Gunners sit top of the league by five points with the domestic season paused for the World Cup in Qatar.
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Scouting missions and getting injured players up to speed ahead of the season returning on Boxing Day has likely been on the agenda for Arteta. Edu and the Spaniard are likely discussing their potential plans for the winter window, with Mykhaylo Mudryk and Palmeiras man Danilo heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Those deciding the Gunners recruitment decisions will have likely kept a close eye on Gakpo and been very impressed by his performances in Qatar. Brentford defender Ben Mee has now given his verdict on Gakpo, comparing him with arguably the greatest Premier League player of the last decade.
Writing for The Athletic, Mee said: “There is something of Kevin De Bruyne about him, and he is developing a similar range and vision in his passing as the Manchester City man.
“I’ve seen him deliver pinpoint passes with the outside of his boot, clever balls guided round the corner or into space for team-mates to collect on the run, and he clearly has a decent cross in him.
“He hits it like De Bruyne, too, as he showed with his finish — struck so cleanly — for the opening goal against Qatar.
“Then there’s that ability to collect, spin and drive up-field with the ball, something we’ve seen De Bruyne do countless times for City and definitely a skill Gakpo replicates.”
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