According to Rudy Galetti, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the services of Cody Gakpo. The PSV Eindhoven forward is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, with the player being closely monitored by the North London side. However, they are expected to face stiff competition from league rivals Everton, whereas German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are involved in the equation as well.
Who Is Cody Gakpo?
A product of the PSV youth academy, Gakpo has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence since his promotion to the senior team in 2018. The winger has made 120 competitive appearances for the club, scoring 34 goals while providing 31 assists.
A left-winger by trade, Gakpo has mesmerised the onlookers with his pace and ability to take on the defenders. Additionally, he offers the versatility of playing anywhere across the frontline, making him an asset for coach Roger Schmidt.
While Gakpo has been a key figure in the PSV side over the past few years, the 2021/22 campaign has been a particularly productive one so far, with the attacker being involved in 19 goals in 17 Eredivisie appearances. His performances in front of goal have been critical in helping PSV remain in the title race.
Not to mention, the 22-year-old’s productivity has been crucial in replacing Donyell Malen, who left the club to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The winger has been duly rewarded for his performances as well, having won four caps for the Dutch national team so far, and it appears a move to the Premier League could soon be on the horizon.
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A Good Option For Arsenal?
Arsenal‘s pursuit of Cody Gakpo is hardly surprising as Mikel Arteta eyes attacking reinforcements, especially after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. Not to mention, the Gunners are braced to lose Alexandre Lacazette as well, creating a significant hole in the strikeforce.
Although Gakpo is not a fully-fledged centre-forward, he could fit into the Arsenal side quite effortlessly due to his versatility in the final third. There are also talks of moving Gabriel Martinelli into a central role, thus opening up the space for the Dutchman to become a first-team starter for Arsenal, alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
With an imposing 1.89m frame, Gakpo does offer variety into the Arsenal frontline. Moreover, the 22-year-old is a proven goalscorer, potentially making him an ideal replacement for Nicolas Pepe, should the Ivorian depart Emirates in the summer.
However, the Dutch international could cost a fortune, given his current long-term contract with PSV until 2026 coupled with the interest from a host of top clubs across Europe. So a move for the youngster will depend on how well Arsenal manage to offload their unwanted stars in the summer.
