Arsenal have been handed a potential boost in their January transfer pursuit of PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo following reports of Manchester United falling short of the Dutch side’s valuation.
The attacker is currently the centre point of an intriguing transfer battle between the Gunners and United after seeing his stock rise through performances in the World Cup. Gakpo scored in all three of his nation's group matches and will be vital in their quarter-final clash against Argentina tomorrow.
After failing to secure a move to Old Trafford in the summer, Erik ten Hag's side are favourites to land the starlet due to the Dutchman's connections in Eredivisie. United signed three players from the Netherlands in the summer after Ten Hag made the switch from Ajax and are expected to delve into the Dutch market once again.
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However, according to a report in the Daily Mail, Arsenal's Premier League rivals remain £10million apart from PSV's £50million valuation of their star academy product ahead of the January transfer window. It's understood that United are keen to sign the 23-year-old but will have to cough up the asking price from Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.
Whilst United ponder on the reported valuation, Arsenal are presented with an opportunity. After Gabriel Jesus' absence was confirmed earlier this week after sustaining a knee injury at the World Cup, the requirement for a new attacker at the Emirates Stadium has drastically increased.
Jesus has played a starring role for Mikel Arteta's side since Stan Kroenke paid £45million for his services from Manchester City in the summer. However, with Jesus out of the picture until February, at the earliest, the Gunners may have to take the plunge with Gakpo.
In context, £50million for a player who hasn't played outside the Eredivisie may seem a bad deal. But in reality, he's exactly what Arsenal need: a player capable of taking up a position out wide whilst also able to fill in at centre forward with a natural eye for goal.
Champions League football is on the cards to return to north London meaning the Kroenke's will receive a nice influx of cash at the end of the season. So money is not a key factor in the deal. It's whether Arteta and Edu value the PSV man at £50million.
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