A number of possible transfer targets were in action again as the final group stage fixtures of the World Cup got underway. Cody Gakpo scored his third World Cup goal to move level with Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Rashford and Enner Valencia as the joint-top scorers at the tournament.
Moises Caicedo was in action for Ecuador but was unable to help his nation progress out of Group A alongside compatriot Piero Hincapie. Christian Pulisic helped the USA progress into the round of 16 stage as he continued to impress with a number of clubs weighing up a potential move for the Chelsea winger.
As Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his first-team squad in the new year football.london will be covering the performances of Arsenal’s potential transfer targets across the tournament. Ensure you return after each matchday for comments on the performances of the players the Gunners have been linked to throughout the tournament.
READ MORE: Milinkovic-Savic stars, Ruben Neves impresses - Arsenal World Cup transfer target watch
Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo came into the World Cup as a Premier League star in one of the smaller nations at the competition. He impressed in the opening match and exits Qatar a goalscorer but will ultimately be disappointed that he couldn’t help his nation progress from the group stages.
His goal brought huge hope to Ecuador having gone a goal down. Standing at the back post he tapped in the flicked-on header from a corner. His exploits at the 2022 World Cup will have only improved his reputation - and potential transfer value.
Piero Hincapie
After a tournament where Piero Hincapie had impressed and raised his profile on the international stage, in the final group game he proved costly to his Ecuador side. Knowing that a draw was all that was needed to go through, a defensively composed display was needed and there was nothing of the sort from the defender when he crashed into Ismaila Sarr in the box.
Arsenal will surely not let one moment in isolation affect their view of a player, but the rashness perhaps highlighted the rawness in his game that exists. Hardly surprising for a young centre-half, but he will need to mature quickly if he is expected to rise to the Premier League level.
Cody Gakpo
Three games, three goals; Cody Gakpo could hardly do more to show the world why he is one of the most sought-after talents on the market. The PSV winger’s interchange with Davy Klaassen set up his chance for a characteristic cut inside before striking the ball across the Qatar keeper and into the corner.
Manchester United look the most likely suitor for Gakpo this winter, although the lingering interest from Arsenal and sporting director Edu could step up after his performances at the tournament. PSV will be the overall winners knowing they can simply keep upping their valuation of their primary goalscoring threat.
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic scored the crucial goal to help the USA progress out of Group B as runners-up, setting up a round of 16 clash against the Netherlands this weekend.
The Chelsea star has been in fine form for his nation and showed his quality once again against Iran. Pulisic put his body on the line to bundle the ball home in the first half for the USA and was forced off at half-time.
The American winger was influential throughout the game and is certainly alerting a number of top clubs with his brilliant performances at the World Cup in Qatar.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham once again showed why he is considered one of the brightest talents in Europe with his performance against Wales. The England international ran the show in the first half despite being unable to get on the scoresheet or grab an assist.
Gareth Southgate allowed Bellingham to roam in a more attacking position with Jordan Henderson coming in alongside Declan Rice, who put in an outstanding display himself. Bellingham's stock continues to rise after yet another amazing 90 minutes for the Three Lions.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka nominated for Fans' Footballer of the Year award amid title tilt
Arsenal World Cup latest with Partey boost, Jesus' view for Casemiro goal and Turner on Pulisic
Milinkovic-Savic stars, Ruben Neves impresses - Arsenal World Cup transfer target watch
Mikel Arteta makes decision between Mykhaylo Mudryk and Christian Pulisic Arsenal transfer
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
