Nottingham Forest have made PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo their ‘absolute priority’ target, against interest from Arsenal and Leeds United, after signing Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest make Cody Gakpo new priority as Arsenal, Leeds cool interest
According to Foot Mercato, Nottingham Forest have now made a move for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo their ‘absolute priority’. Steve Cooper is keen to continue his City Ground side’s lavish spending spree on the back of promotion, having added Morgan Gibbs-White.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers sold Gibbs-White to the Reds on Friday for an initial £25m, up to £42.5m with add-ons. Copper persisted with a move for the 22-year-old, having already seen three bids, worth up to £42m, fail. It takes Nottingham Forest’s spending to £145.5m.
But Nottingham Forest are far from done, having marked Gakpo as their ‘absolute priority’ target against interest from Arsenal and Leeds United. The Gunners and Whites are two of the PSV forward’s long-term admirers, but have shown little appetite during recent weeks.
Manchester United are also keen on Gakpo, with Erik ten Hag placing the 23-year-old high on his shortlist. Yet the Red Devils have favoured a move for Ajax sensation Antony, with an initial offer worth €80m (£68m) lodged. Although the Eredivisie giants have rejected it.
Champions League qualification could still complicate Steve Cooper’s swoop
Premier League admirers are widespread for Gakpo after the Eindhoven-born star offered PSV 21 goals and 15 assists last term. The seven-cap Netherlands forward, able to play on either wing or in the centre, has also started this season with three goals and four assists.
The chance to now test his skill in England is an opportunity that Gakpo would additionally ‘love’, per Fabrizio Romano. But he has admitted that qualifying for the Champions League group stage from the play-offs would increase the chances that he stays in Eindhoven now.
Gakpo offered his latest assist for the 2022/23 term so far to help PSV draw 2-2 in the first-leg of their qualifying round tie at Rangers on Tuesday. Progressing from the tie may prove problematic for Nottingham Forest as they edge ahead of interest from Arsenal and Leeds.
Mikel Arteta and Jesse Marsch have known for months that PSV will also demand £40m to sell Gakpo, per The Mirror. A price that has, seemingly, seen neither Arsenal or Leeds step up their interest in a transfer with PSV, which Nottingham Forest have made their priority.
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