Manchester United are interested in a move for PSV Eindhoven attacker and Arsenal target Cody Gakpo, according to reports. Gakpo, 23, enjoyed an outstanding campaign, netting 21 goals and notching 15 assists on the way to being named the Dutch footballer of the Year.
He has been likened to Arsenal greats Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie as an athletic but elegant player who has learned to play centrally having started his career as a winger.
football.london reported in July that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a keen admirer of Gakpo's talents, with the forward seen as an alternative target to Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United.
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It is understood that Gakpo is keen to test his ability in the Premier League with Arsenal among several clubs to hold an interest. He told the Sun in April: "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."
Now, the Mirror are reporting United have registered their interest in Gakpo with Eredivisie runners-up PSV. It is claimed United boss Erik ten Hag - who formerly managed Ajax - is keen to beat top-flight rivals Arsenal and Leeds United to his signature.
It was reported in Holland this week that PSV would demand around £40million for Gakpo, with the young attacker undecided on what he wants to do. football.london understands his top priority currently is sealing a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad later this year.
PSV will only listen to offers for him once their Champions League fate is decided. Ruud van Nistelrooy's charges take on Monaco in the second leg of their third-round play-off on Tuesday having drawn the away leg 1-1.
Arteta has already hinted that more signings could arrive at the Emirates Stadium before the window closes. "We’re in the market to keep improving the squad but there are so many parties involved and sometimes things don’t happen as quickly as you want," the Spaniard said last month.
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