Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has outlined all the positive ability Cody Gakpo possesses as the PSV Eindhoven star continues to be linked with a transfer to the club. Before then, the 23-year-old faces the Gunners for a second time in a week for the Europa League group stages.
The clash between the two sides is a key one in deciding the rest of the group as only a win for the home side would see them come within a chance of taking top spot. The task for Mikel Arteta is much simpler as he looks for his side to avoid defeat, but claims they won't play just for that reason.
"We are going to play the same way we always play. We will come here to win the game and be dominant and try not to change the way we play," The manager told BT Sport before the game. "We are not coming here for a draw and we have made that very clear before the game."
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One of the big threats they face is that of Gakpo, who has one of the best goal involvement rates across Europe in the early stages of the season. The winger could prove why he is so highly sought after at the moment in preparation for a potential move in the future.
Former Arsenal striker Van Persie has been full of praise for the Dutch international too, telling BT Sport: "He is a good player. He always finds a way in most games to have an influence in terms of making an assist or a goal.
"He is not really an out-and-out striker, but he can play as a No.10, out on the wing, he can play in those positions. He has a good physique, is dangerous in the attacking third and he is a good all round player."
It remains to be seen if he will be an option for the future for the Gunners, though football.london understands that Gakpo would be open to a switch to the Premier League.
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