Cody Gakpo is a name causing a stir among many of European football's elite clubs. Arsenal are among the interested parties competing for the striker's signature alongside Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The Gunners are in the market for a new forward this summer following the exit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the Camp Nou during the January transfer window. Alexandre Lacazette has performed admirably since his partner's departure but he too is likely to leave the club soon, leaving Mikel Arteta short of options, with Eddie Nkwetiah also likely to leave the Emirates in the close-season.
Dusan Vlahovic was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates before opting to join Juventus in January, while interest in Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak appears to have cooled. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin are two other names to be linked in the past, with Arteta seemingly eager to land a long-term option in attack.
READ MORE: Arsenal urged to sign £49.5m-rated midfielder who Paul Merson thinks is 'special'
At just 22-years-old, Gakpo would certainly suit that mould. Having scored eight goals and provided 13 assists in the Eredivise, it is easy to see why there is so much hype around the youngster. The Athletic have reported that Arsenal, alongside the other trio of chasing clubs, will likely have to pay between £30 million and £42 million for his services.
He has played across the front three for the current Dutch league leaders, another factor that is likely to appeal to Arteta. The fluidity between Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe has been impressive when Arsenal break forward in attack, so signing a striker who will fit into that style.
PSV director of football John de Jong has previously spoken about the speculation surrounding Gakpo, and admitted that a move could be on the cards at the end of the season.
In an interview with Voetbal Primeur, he said: "“The interest started early in the season, when he performed well, also with the Dutch national team. My goal is to keep him for the season at all times. I don’t know how long we can keep him out of the hands of the big clubs in Europe. How he performs is the most important thing.”
