PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this winter, including Arsenal and Manchester United, who have both been touted to sign the talented winger.
The Gunners are rumoured to be keen on adding a new forward to Mikel Arteta's squad following the departure of Nicolas Pepe on loan to Ligue 1 side OGC Nice back in the summer. Arsenal missed out on signing the Netherlands international in the previous transfer window, but there is a need for competition for wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
With the youngster having impressed at the World Cup, Gakpo has publicly discussed a possible move away from the Netherlands, so with that said, football.london takes a look at the latest on the transfer saga surrounding the forward.
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Liverpool move
PSV have announced that Liverpool have completed a deal to sign Gakpo. The Reds moved ahead of the competition to reach an agreement with the Netherlands international in the past 48 hours, with his price coming in at £37m plus add ons which could take it to £50m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Fresh Man Utd claim
Arsenal are losing the transfer race for Cody Gakpo to Manchester United with the Dutchmen's preferred destination being revealed as Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag was interested in bringing Gakpo in over the summer and excellent form has seen that interest remain with Gakpo also wanting the move, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano.
Mikel Arteta and Edu could still convince him to join them at Arsenal but the advantage is with United and, after sanctioning a bid, £50million could be enough to convince PSV to sell in January
Transfer hint
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag appears to have hinted at a potential move for Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window. Speaking to reporters, he said: "There were many, many good players in the World Cup." before smiling when asked if they will make a bid for the Arsenal transfer target.
Fresh Man Utd decision
With the January transfer window close to opening, Arsenal and Man Utd, who are the two main clubs interested in Gakpo, will likely each enjoy moments of optimism that they can secure the services of the 23-year-old and the latest update is a blow for Arsenal.
90min are reporting that United's hierarchy have green-lit the decision to move for the Dutch international, per ten Hag's wishes.
Ten Hag delivers Gakpo stance
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that the club will attempt to bring in a striker in January with Arsenal target Cody Gakpo sure to be on their list of potential acquisitions.
Ten Hag was asked by Manchester Evening News whether or not he intends to sign a striker in January: "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."
However, he did not want to comment specifically on Gakpo saying, “I cannot give comments on specific players. I will never do that. Players have contracts and I respect that but make sure we are working in the background to get the right players in.”
Gakpo fresh verdict
Amid Gakpo's impressive form at the World Cup, the forward has been asked about his future and told reporters: "I focus now on the World Cup but it's always nice to hear such rumours. I just try to focus here and do my best.
""I'm not surprised, I know what I'm capable of but it's always a challenge to reach your highest level possible and I think I'm not near yet. I can improve in a lot of things."
Man Utd enter race
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants to add Dutch footballer of the Year, Cody Gakpo, to his squad for the 2022/23 season, as per The Mirror. Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal could face competition for the talented winger's signature.
Price tag
PSV have set a transfer price of €40million-€45million (£34million-£38million) for Gakpo to leave the club back in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Eredivisie side are said to be keen to keep hold of the 23-year-old, with four years remaining on his deal at the club.
Liverpool and Arsenal admission
Speaking to the Sun back in April, Gakpo was honest in his admiration for English football, making clear claims about Arsenal and Liverpool. He said: "The Premier League is a big league. Virgil van Dijk plays there with Liverpool, so I like to watch them.
"We are not the same kind of league, but I think we try to look at the Prem and learn about it. Everybody wants to play one time in the Prem. I don't favour one team, but I like Arsenal a lot.
"I looked up to Henry when I was younger because he was a tall guy who played on the wing."
football.london understands that Gakpo is keen to one day play in the Premier League. However, his current priority is impressing for the Netherlands side in the World Cup. Gakpo has previously discussed his admiration for Gunners' hero Thierry Henry as well as his interest in Arsenal and Liverpool.
Arsenal are one of several Premier League clubs interested in PSV winger Cody Gakpo, football.london understands. The 23-year-old can play anywhere across the front three.
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