Arsenal and Liverpool could now be in a fight for PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo with both clubs accelerating their pursuit of the wide man.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that Gakpo is attracting major interest from a number of clubs around Europe.
Gakpo was attracting interest in January but instead signed a new deal until 2026. It’s understood that deal includes an agreement that Gakpo can leave if a suitable offer arrives.
It’s stated that four clubs – Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool – are all accelerating their interest in signing Gakpo this summer.
‘Serious conversations’ are being had by all four clubs in an internal sense, with talks yet to be held directly with PSV.
It’s thought that any deal for Gakpo would cost around £35million, which would be a considerable outlay for Arsenal and Liverpool.
Arsenal already have to plays fighting it out down the left flank with Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
Adding another one in Gakpo just doesn’t really make sense for Arsenal right now, especially at around £35million.
The same goes for Liverpool, who can easily use the likes of Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota down their left side.
Sure, Mane is out of contract in 2023 but the signing of Diaz means another left-sided winger surely isn’t a priority.
That doesn’t mean Gakpo isn’t a good player though. Quite the opposite in fact.
Gakpo, 22, has been utterly ridiculous this season, racking up 16 goals and 15 assists in just 37 outings for PSV.
Field Insider posted a superb profile about Gakpo, likening him to Eden Hazard and Daniel James in terms of his playing style.
They did though note that Gakpo’s defensive work rate is lacking, something that may not entirely please Mikel Arteta or Jurgen Klopp, who demand a lot off the ball.
Gakpo still looks like an enormous talent for the future and we could see him in the Premier League very soon with PSV no doubt preparing for his exit.
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