Erik ten Hag has now told Manchester United to rival interest from Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and Jesse Marsch at Leeds United for the transfer of PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo.
Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to rival Arsenal interest in Cody Gakpo
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has now added PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo to his shopping list and will battle interest from Arsenal and Leeds United. That’s according to The Mirror, who report the Red Devils boss has shifted his plans from Ajax ace Antony.
- WORLD CUP: ONE PLAYER TO WATCH FROM ALL 32 NATIONS AT QATAR
- WORLD CUP: TOURNAMENT RECORD OF FRANCE ICON ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Mikel Arteta and Jesse Marsch have already informed Boeren chiefs of their admiration of the Dutchman this summer. But neither team has agreed to terms with the Philips Stadion outfit, as PSV will not permit Gakpo’s sale before their Champions League fate is decided.
PSV drew the first-leg of their third-round qualifying match with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the week. They will now host the Principality outfit in Eindhoven next Thursday for a place in the play-offs. The final games for a spot in the group stage are on August 16/17 and 23/24.
Arsenal and Leeds are also aware that PSV will demand £40m to sell Gakpo as the 23-year-old is very highly-rated in the Netherlands. But the price is half the figure Ajax demanded from Manchester United for Brazil star Antony, having slapped an £80m price tag on him.
Ten Hag has been pursuing Antony as he is determined to sign another forward amid the uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo. But Ajax’s demands have seen the Manchester United boss shift his interest to rivalling Arsenal and Leeds for Gakpo’s transfer from PSV.
Erik ten Hag holds possible advantage over Mikel Arteta and Jesse Marsch
Gakpo has attracted interest from Arsenal, Leeds and now Manchester United through Ten Hag, having shone for PSV last season. The 23-year-old right-footed, left-winger registered 21 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions, and often captained the side.
The Mirror also note Gakpo has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry with his efforts at the Philips Stadion. The seven-cap Netherlands ace has also stated previously that the Gunners great is one of his heroes. But Ten Hag could have the advantage over Arteta and Marsch.
That’s because the football agency group, SEG, represent both Ten Hag and Gakpo – a PSV product former Holland striker Pierre van Hooijdonk believes ‘has everything’. So, if a race hots up in late August for a winger who is strong on the ball, the Red Devils may now lead.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
