Every few weeks there seems to be a player who is the sole attention of Arsenal supporters, and this time that honour lays with PSV Eindhoven superstar Cody Gakpo.
According to Algemeen Dagblad and Voetbal International, the north London side are leading the chase for the Netherlands international, with Gakpo looking like a strong favourite to be one of Arsenal’s first signings this summer.
With a reported price tag of €40m (£33m), Gakpo joining Arsenal would be a major investment for Mikel Arteta. Yet with the winger bagging an astonishing 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season, the money could be worth it.
However, with Gakpo a left-sided winger, how could this potential signing change Arsenal? Here are three ways the arrival of the 22-year-old could do just that.
Martinelli could finally realise striker potential
At 6’2”, Gakpo’s stature and athleticism have already seen some enthusiastic Arsenal fans label the Dutchman as Arteta’s answer to Thierry Henry.
And whilst this comparison is outrageous, to say the least, some truth in the statement could be made that the arrival of the youngster might see Gabriel Martinelli shifted from the left-wing to centre-forward, a move many supporters are eager to see and something Arsene Wenger did with Henry.
Indeed, whilst Gakpo himself could also play in the striker role given his qualities, his creative abilities and knack for cutting in from the wing make him perfect to replace Martinelli on the left, with the Brazilian also, arguably, the youngster at Arsenal with the highest potential of becoming a world-class leading attacker.
Pepe’s time at Arsenal could be over
As highlighted in another opinion piece here on HITC Sport, signing another wide-attacker could spell the end for Nicolas Pepe, with the winger this season hardly featuring for the Gunners with Arteta favouring Bukayo Saka on the right-wing.
And if the north London side are to bring in another forward in Gakpo who is naturally a winger, Pepe’s time with the Gunners could well be over, with cup games and European football likely not enough for the Ivory Coast international.
There’s no denying the attacker’s qualities. Yet if Gakpo was to be signed by Arsenal, Pepe could well be out the exit door in what would be a disappointing end to the club’s record signing.
Arteta has another Arsenal leader on the pitch in Gakpo
One theme Arteta has driven hard since his arrival in north London is adding leaders to the Arsenal squad, and with Gakpo captaining PSV on numerous occasions this season, it makes sense why the Basque coach is interested in signing the 22-year-old.
With Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale already showing incredible leadership traits on the pitch, Gakpo would be another figure in the Arsenal squad that can command and motivate his teammates.
A culture change was needed at Arsenal during the latter years of Wenger and under Unai Emery, and the moves Arteta has made, Gakpo pending, have shown that the reset is well underway, and the results are showing.
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