Arsenal ‘lead way’ in race to sign Liverpool target and Eredivisie gem

Jacque Talbot

• 25 Jun 2024 12:30 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are leading the race to sign PSV star Johan Bakayoko, who has also been linked to Liverpool.

The talented winger is currently representing Belgium at Euro 2024 but there have been suggestions that he could be on the move from the Netherlands this summer.

Reports from Belgium outlet LADH suggests that Arsenal are now in the conversation for the youngster.

Bakayoko impressed last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 48 games, as well as playing a pivotal role in PSV's Dutch title victory. His performance has garnered interest from top clubs including Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

It’s thought that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to secure Bakayoko, with PSV reportedly demanding €45 million for the transfer.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

But a similar report emerged last week stating that Reds manager Arne Slot has already given his seal of approval to bring in the e 21-year-old.

Bakayoko is said to be viewed as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has just a year left on his deal at Anfield now.,

Bakayoko on future

When quizzed about his future earlier this month, Bakayoko told Dutch newspaper Het Belang van Limburg: "The only thing I can say is that next year I will be on a football pitch somewhere."

"I received a call from Kompany last year, indeed. He then explained his vision. That was nice. I clarified my view. It was a good conversation, but that was last summer. I didn't talk about leaving so I didn't understand why people were saying: 'Oh, why didn’t he move?'.

"There was no option of leaving. But that's part of football. People give their opinion. I see myself playing everywhere, anywhere. I follow the Premier League — I have friends there.

"I also have friends that play in Germany, so I watch a lot of games when they play. But this season I haven't even talked about leaving. I was just thinking about preparing for the Euros, just trying my best to be fit."