Cody Gakpo continues to impress with his performances at the World Cup for the Netherlands. The 23-year-old scored his third goal of the tournament in the first half against tournament hosts, Qatar.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for Gakpo in the January transfer window. The Dutch talent was rumoured to be on the verge of securing a move the Premier League in the summer, but opted to stay with his boyhood club, PSV Eindhoven, ahead of the World Cup.
football.london understands that the Gunners hold a long-term interest in Gakpo but were unable to secure a deal for him in the summer as he wanted to give himself the best chance of starting for the Netherlands in Qatar. PSV are said to be willing to accept a fee in the region of £40million for their star player who has registered 33 goal contributions in all competitions so far this season.
READ MORE: 'Sign him' - Arsenal fans make Cody Gakpo transfer demand after Netherlands World Cup goal
Gakpo is one of the top scorers at the World Cup in Qatar so far and has scored in every Group A fixture, helping the Netherlands towards securing qualification for the round of 16 stage. Ahead of the match against Qatar, Joe Cole and Nigel de Jong were full of praise for the 23-year-old.
Speaking on ITV's coverage ahead of the Netherlands' clash against the tournament hosts, Cole said: "Exciting young player, one I earmarked at the start of the tournament who might do well. Scores goals, can dribble, good movement off the ball, all the big clubs in the Premier League will be looking at this kid.
"He joins an illustrious group, if he gets three goals in three World Cup games, the likes of [Wesley] Sneijder, [Dennis] Bergkamp, he’s not moving in them places yet but he’ll be on his way. Really exciting young player."
De Jong agreed with Cole's assessment of Gakpo and hinted that rejecting Manchester United in the summer may have helped him develop into an even better player. The former Dutch international said: "[He's] One of the biggest talents in our (Dutch) league.
"Of course he plays for PSV, a little bit different position to where he plays in the national team, he plays a bit more as a No. 10 here, behind the two strikers. At PSV, he’s more from the left side, so he’s more use of the sides but he’s a humble guy, technical-wise fantastic.
"Clubs have shown interest last summer, move didn’t happen, I think he made an interview as well that he was close to signing to Manchester United where ten Hag really wanted him in the squad.
"But didn’t happen so he’s still got another year to develop himself. Off the back of the World Cup he’s got potential to be a great player."
Gakpo continues to impress and will be a vital player for the Netherlands, who look on course to qualify for the round of 16 stage. The Dutch forward will be in demand when the January transfer window opens, with a move to the Premier League on the cards.
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