The Arsenal search for a striker is proving perpetually difficult to complete this January transfer window and the number of options available to the club are diminishing as the window draws to a close.
A failed Arsenal pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic has been followed by links to other top European young strikers such as Alexander Isak, Jonathan David and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, although all three are far more likely to move in the summer than this winter.
With the orthodox striker options looking unlikely at this stage, rather than scrapping any possibility of a forward, Edu and Mikel Arteta could look to approach the concept of a wide forward.
Arsenal have seen their fair share of famous wide players transformed into central strikers, most famously of all for the Gunners specifically being the legendary Thierry Henry.
The Eredivisie has presented an opportunity for the Gunners and links with a PSV talent who suits the mould of a feasible transition project.
Cody Gakpo may not be a familiar name to many but those that are aware of the Dutch international will know of the player's, pace, power and towering figure from the wide left position.
Having scored ten goals and recorded 11 assists in all competitions for PSV this season, Gakpo is garnering attention. Foot Mercato claim that Arsenal have been added to the list of interested parties that includes the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The evidence that Gakpo could possibly transition to a central striker begins with the player’s profile. Reaching 6’2 in height, the 22-year-old has added a level of physicality to his game as his footballing skills have also developed with age.
He has won 46.7% of his 338 duels so far this season. Up from 44.2% from the season before, according to Wyscout.
Furthermore, Gakpo has already been deployed in a central role at PSV and successfully so. Starting in the 4-1 win at RKC Waalwijk, he scored and assisted another.
In fact, in the ten Eredivisie appearances he has had in the middle, he has scored four goals and assisted a further two. Averaging a goal contribution just over once per game.
Gakpo would have been available at a nominal fee until his recent contract extension. His decision to sign secures a reasonable fee for PSV who would be parting with a lucrative talent.
Transfermarkt value Gakpo at £19.8 million, however, Eindhovens Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink has disputed this and claims that even a €29.9 million (£25m) bid for Gakpo would not be enough. Jesting it would not earn a cup of coffee with PSV.
Arsenal have shown willingness to spend big as evidenced in their pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic and the major summer outlay. Despite this, there may be some reluctance to go big on a player whose striking potential remains in need of the transition to a central role.
The option, however, is clearly there and for the right price, PSV have shown to be willing to sell as proven by the recent departures of Donyell Malen, Denzel Dumfries, Hirving Lozano and Steven Bergwijn.
Perhaps Arsenal can be the next club to benefit if they are willing to reach the heights demanded by the Dutch side.
Make sure you have subscribed to The Arsenal Way! The Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Arsenal content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews. You can follow Tom Canton from the TAW team to keep up to date with his work.
