Arsenal's Gakpo transfer hopes dealt blow by Ten Hag's Man Utd move
Suraj Radia
- 22 Apr 2022 16:18 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo, with PSV looking to extend the forward's contract in the hopes of keeping him for another year.
Gakpo only signed a new deal in January keeping him in Eindhoven until 2026, but his scintillating form since then has attracted interest around Europe.
But with Eredivisie leaders Ajax to lose manager Erik ten Hag in the summer, PSV are desperate to hold onto their talisman and capitalise on any turbulence with their rivals.
The Dutch outfit are looking to move quickly to offer Gakpo improved terms in the hope that he will ignore interest from elsewhere and commit to another season at the Philips Stadion.
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The 6 foot 2 man has nine goals and 13 assists in 22 league games this season as well as seven goals in European competitions.
Gakpo, 22, has already captained his side on a regular basis and scored the winner in the recent Dutch Cup final against Ajax.
His form has seen him break into the Dutch national side where he has scored once in four appearances and Gakpo will be keen to continue his progression ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Primarily a left winger who likes to cut inside onto his right foot, Gakpo has also played up front due to his size, mobility and goalscoring ability.
Cody Gakpo vs Ajax (N) Dutch Cup final
Minutes - 68
Touches - 72
Dribbles - 8/8
Duels won - 9/11
Aerials won - 4/4
Interceptions - 2/2
Key passes - 4/4
Big chances created - 2
Assists - 1
Goals - 1 pic.twitter.com/yuGUenKFMu— Burt Macklin (@LeeFussBall) April 17, 2022
With the Gunners lacking a consistent goalscorer, Gakpo has been touted as a ready-made solution and could command a fee of around £40 million.
Despite interest from clubs like Manchester City, Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Arsenal have reportedly established themselves as the most serious candidates for Gakpo.
However, it is believed Gakpo is open to staying with his boyhood club and has been told by new coach Ruud van Nistelrooy that he is integral to his plans.
PSV have previously convinced star players such as Gini Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay to stay on for another year before making bigger moves and it is hoped Gakpo will follow suit, particularly with Ajax in a state of flux following Ten Hag's imminent exit.
