Arsenal will have to wait a little longer before they welcome PSV Eindhoven to the Emirates Stadium after UEFA confirmed that Thursday night's game is off.
There was doubt over whether or not the game would go ahead due to a potential lack of police availability following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and that has now been confirmed as the reason which has led to the decision to postpone the match.
"This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A new date will be communicated in due course," UEFA said.
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football.london understands that the Metropolitan Police initially indicated that they were comfortable with Arsenal's match with PSV going ahead despite there being some doubts, but as more and more resources are needed to assist with several events happening around the capital, this is no longer the case.
Nevertheless, the fixture will still take place at some point and with the away match set for the end of October it will provide Mikel Arteta with the perfect opportunity to monitor some potential transfer targets up close ahead of the January window. So with all of that in mind, I decided to pick out the three PSV players to keep an eye on.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo will no doubt relish the opportunity to impress in front of the Emirates Stadium crowd, a stadium that could become his home in the future.
football.london understands the 23-year-old winger has been on technical director Edu's radar for some time after enjoying a standout 2021/22 campaign, scoring 21 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions. Gakpo has also had an impressive start to the new season, already racking up 15 G/A.
It has previously been reported that Arsenal were once the favourites to secure the players' services, although recent interest from Southampton and Leeds United has perhaps seen the Gunners fall behind in the pecking order for now.
Ibrahim Sangare
Having been linked with Arsenal throughout his time at Toulouse, Sangare eventually made the move to PSV in 2020. The Ivorian has since excelled and become one of the most talented defensive midfielders in Europe.
Breaking The Lines describes Sangare as a player who has it all, possessing strength, power, explosiveness, ball control and even a good long-range shot.
Standing at 6ft 3ins tall, the 24-year-old offers a noticeable presence in front of the back line and could be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Thomas Partey moving forward.
Joey Veerman
An unknown to many, Joey Veerman is perhaps a name that has gone under the radar of late. PSV snapped up the midfielder for just £5million plus add-ons in January. However, ten goals and 14 assists from all three of attacking, central and defensive midfield positions, as well as from the left-wing last season, highlight a player with incredible versatility, talent and an eye for progressive play.
At 23, he would certainly fit the age profile for what Arsenal have been bringing in, as will his teammates mentioned above. Capable of adding much-needed flexibility and depth to the squad, Veerman is one to keep an eye on for the future, especially with Serie A side Atalanta reportedly keeping a close eye on the Dutchman.
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