In a recent interview with Wettfreunde, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo. Di Marzio said, “I know him very well. He’s a very, very good player. When you play in the Eredivisie with PSV and Ajax, you obviously learn intensity and quality, so the Premier League is the right move for players like him. I think Manchester United, Arsenal or Tottenham.
“Tottenham, I think, need other players like him to have a deeper squad and more managerial choices. One of those teams. It depends on what PSV want for him. I think Manchester United or Arsenal, or Tottenham, for that matter, are the right projects for a quality and intense player like him.“
Gakpo’s Impressive Form In Dutch Football
Gakpo is having a brilliant season in the Eredivisie as he has produced several match-winning displays for PSV on the attacking end of the field.
The 23-year-old has found the back of the net on 13 occasions and grabbed 11 assists in 18 matches for the Dutch giants this season across all fronts.
The talented wide player has been a consistent performer in the final third based on his average of 3.8 shots, 3.8 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even distributed the ball relatively well in the opposition half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 77.5% in the Dutch top tier (stats via whoscored).
Is Gakpo A Good Fit For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Gakpo has got the football IQ to lose his marker and get a few strikes in on target. He can shoot the ball with power and precision from long range and has got the eye to play a decisive pass in the final third. The Dutch sensation can even complete a few dangerous dribbles with the ball toward the opponent’s penalty box.
Hence, it makes sense for Arsenal to focus on winning the race for Gakpo next year. We can expect the Dutch wide player to add more goals and assists to Mikel Arteta‘s frontline. Furthermore, he is well-equipped to provide some serious competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a regular starting spot at the Emirates Stadium in the coming seasons.
With all things considered, Gakpo will be a decent fit for the Gunners as long as he can make a smooth transition to life in England.
