PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has provided a huge update on the immediate future of Cody Gakpo with Manchester United and Arsenal hoping to acquire his services in January. Gakpo was the recipient of Premier League interest in the summer but remained in the Netherlands, however a terrific World Cup campaign may see him on the move in January.
Leeds and Man Utd were interested over the summer and they have now been joined in the transfer race by Arsenal who look set to recruit players in January who can immediately impact the first-team picture. With Gabriel Jesus out with a knee injury until Febraury at the earliest, Gakpo could certainly be the man to fill that void.
The Gunners look set to face significant competition from Erik Ten Hag's side after the former Ajax coach confirmed United would look to bring in a forward in January following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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PSV set a transfer price of €40million-€45million (£34million-£38million) for Gakpo to leave the club back in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano and the current asking price is not too far off that sum, although a superb World Cup could see that fee increase if multiple teams enter negotiations with PSV.
Gakpo boasts a hugely impressive goal-contribution record for the 2022/23 season for both club and country in all competitions. From 34 appearances across six different competitions, the 23-year-old has has been involved in 36 goals.
After impressive displays for PSV in the Eredivisie, Gakpo was also the Netherlands' talisman at the 2022 World Cup scoring three goals from five games, although none came beyond the group stages with the Dutch knocked out in the quarter-finals by Argentina.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is undoubtedly aware of the interest in Gakpo and provided a solemn response when asked about a possible departure in January.
Speaking to Voetball, he said: “There comes a time when you can't say no anymore”. In just ten words van Nistelrooy has given Arsenal and Man Utd a huge boost ahead of January in their respective bids to bring in the Dutch attacker in the winter window.
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