Dutch legend Willy van de Kerkhof insists he would not sell PSV Eindhoven talisman Cody Gakpo for ‘less than 80 million euros’ amid interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool, speaking to Voetbal Primeur.
If reports are to be believed, Gakpo’s January departure from the Philps Stadium is already a foregone conclusion.
“Gakpo is gone,” explains Hans Kraay Jr, highlighting the well-documented financial issues facing Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Eredivisie challengers (ESPN).
“PSV are not going to keep him, and cannot keep him anymore. Gakpo will soon be playing in the Premier League.”
World Cup star Cody Gakpo is a target for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United
As things stand, the smart money is on Manchester United. Former Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag is prioritising Gakpo’s arrival in the winter; a resurgent United side now a forward short following Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure.
But do not rule out Liverpool. Anfield assistant Pep Lijnders, Kraay Jr adds, is badgering Jurgen Klopp to bring one of Europe’s most prolific forwards to Anfield, feeling Gakpo could be their ‘missing link’.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are also prioritising attacking reinforcements, with Gakpo perhaps more attainable and affordable than top target Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Qatar’s breakthrough star?
According to Voetbal International, PSV will demand around £45 million for the flying Dutchman, who has scored two of the Netherlands three goals at the Qatar World Cup including a thumping left-footed shot in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
“As a football player you need a bit of luck in your career,” says Van der Kerkhfof, a six-time Eredivisie winner with PSV.
“Gakpo plays well at the World Cup. That is good for him, but also good for PSV. To be very honest; if he plays a good World Cup, and he doing that, then I think he will be gone by Christmas.
Van der Kerkhof believes PSV should be demanding a lot more than £45 million, however. Gakpo, after all, has 17 goals and 18 assists for club and country this season already.
“I wouldn’t sell him for less than 80 million euros (£70 million).”
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