Cody Gakpo has told The Sun he could quit PSV Eindhoven if he receives offers from clubs competing in the Champions League ‘every season’ as Arsenal target his summer transfer.
The Gunners are battling Manchester United in the race for the Dutch forward’s signature as Mikel Arteta explores new forwards. Gakpo is one of Europe’s most highly-rated young attackers, having proven himself as one of the Boeren’s most prized assets in recent years.
PSV have moved to seal his future as a result, with Gakpo penning a new contract to 2026 in January. But the Eredivisie outfit remain open to his transfer, with top clubs scouting the £42m winger for the summer. Possibly ending his 15-year association with the Dutch club.
Gakpo joined PSV in 2007 as a youth prospect and has risen through the ranks to make 126 first-team appearances. He also has 38 goals and 33 assists in all competitions, with 17 goals and 15 assists this term. Roger Schmidt has also captained him on several occasions.
Arsenal target Cody Gakpo admits he could quit PSV for Champions League ‘dream’
Gakpo has enthralled Arsenal with his performances for PSV as Arteta eyes transfers in the summer sales. Algemeen Dagblad also report the Gunners have informed the 22-year-old’s agent that their interest is concrete and that they are ready to pay a ‘substantial’ amount.
Yet Arteta faces further hurdles to see the four-cap Dutch dynamo line up at the Emirates Stadium next season. As well as his mentor, Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy, replacing Schmidt at the helm next season, Gakpo wants to join a Champions League side.
“I try to stay focused on what I am doing now and finishing the season really well,” Gakpo said. “Then, after that, I can focus on something else. If I can make a step to a team who plays in the Champions League every season, of course, it is my dream.
“But I still have a contract and there is a new coach coming in. But maybe there comes a club I cannot say no to. Maybe they won’t come and I have to stay. But, for now, I just want to keep working on this season.”
Arsenal have not featured in the Champions League since the 2016/17 season when they reached the last 16. It marked the seventh-straight campaign that the Gunners exited the competition at the first knockout round. Now, they sit in contention for a return this term.
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