PSV star Cody Gakpo is the centre point of an intriguing transfer battle after his World Cup performances have prompted Arsenal and Manchester United's interest. Erik Ten Hag wanted to make Gakpo his fourth arrival from the Eredivisie in the summer, but a deal never materialised, with Arsenal also linked with him.
A mid-season World Cup provided Gakpo with the opportunity to send a transfer reminder to those teams interested in acquiring his services and it was one the Dutch forward duly took. The 23-year-old drove Arsenal fans crazy with his displays as the Netherlands talisman in their World Cup group stage campaign where he scored in all three of their group matches.
Gakpo has also been in fine form for his club, who he has captained on 14 occasions in all competitions this season, notching 21 Eredivisie goal contributions (nine goals and 12 assists) in 14 games.
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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.
Arsenal and Man United, who are both in need of a new forward, could certainly be tempted by a move at that price for Gakpo, although it's possible PSV could up their asking price depending on the role their star forward plays in the final 10 days of the World Cup.
Former Arsenal man Paul Merson has demanded Arsenal sign Gakpo ahead of Man United after the injury to Jesus even if he costs £100million, believing it will have a significant effect on their Premier League title battle with Manchester City.
The Sky Sports pundit told Express Sport: "Arsenal have got to go and get Cody Gakpo after Gabriel Jesus' knee injury. They've got to go and get someone. They've got a free swing.
"If he is out for up to three months as some reports suggest, they will be out of the top four, let alone the Premier League title race. They need to go and get someone. This is the first time since 2004 that they've had a serious, serious chance of winning the title.
"If they carry on doing what they're doing they'll get in the top four and they would get all of their money back anyway from qualifying for the Champions League. It doesn't matter if it costs £100m. You get this chance once in a blue moon."
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