Glen Johnson has urged Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to ‘hijack’ a possible transfer for Arsenal and Manchester United transfer target, Cody Gakpo, after his strong performances at the Qatar World Cup.
Back in the summer, there was talk of The Netherlands international possibly joining Leeds United, but such is the beauty of the World Cup that it can enhance your reputation.
Well, it’s done just that for Gakpo because, along with Liverpool, Erik ten Hag is keen on bringing his fellow countryman to Manchester United, whilst Mikel Arteta wants to boost Arsenal’s forward line ahead of a title push.
Given that Gakpo plays for PSV, managed by Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, it’s likely that a transfer should occur either next month or in the summer given the financial might of Europe’s elite.
Former England right-back Johnson thinks Gakpo is a ‘quality player’ and he would like the Reds to barge in and secure the talents of the 23-year-old, as he told GGRecon.
“I’d encourage them to hijack the move purely for how good the player is rather than the fact he could be going to Manchester United,” said Johnson.
“£50 million is cheap nowadays, so if you can get a young, quality player for that price, then you’ve got to do what you can to hijack it.”
WHO NEEDS GAKPO MORE?
The versatile forward can play across the front three and Louis van Gaal did utilise the natural left winger down the middle in Qatar.
It resulted in him scoring three goals during the group stages, but of the interested parties, are Arsenal the ones more in need of Gakpo following Gabriel Jesus’ injury?
He isn’t a player of Jesus’ ilk, but he certainly adds those layers in attack if you sign him.
Liverpool’s problems are in the middle of the park, so they will probably focus their attention on other matters first, whilst Manchester United could do with more attacking power given the struggles of Jadon Sancho and the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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