‘We'll see’ – Why Man Utd & Arsenal-target Gakpo could still leave

Karan Tejwani

30 Aug 2022 15:00 BST
3 min read

PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has not ruled out the possibility that Cody Gakpo could leave the club in the remaining days of this transfer window.

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The reigning Dutch Footballer of the Year has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal in recent weeks, but no transfer has materialized.

There was a belief that Manchester United would move for Gakpo had they not signed Antony, but since that move has been confirmed, a transfer for Gakpo seems unlikely.

There is, however, interest from other clubs in the Premier League, such as Everton, Southampton and Newcastle, and a deal could be possible in the coming days.

Van Nistelrooy and Gakpo speak out

Ruud van Nistelrooy has addressed the rumours: "There have been rumours about him since the beginning of the season almost eight weeks ago, and we have not seen Cody [Gakpo] changing his behaviour up to now.

The manager has been impressed by his player’s attitude, heaping praise on the Dutchman: “He is not distracted, he is focused on the games he has to play. For a young guy like him it is special to see that attitude."

Gakpo himself spoke about the rumours, and discussed Antony’s move to Manchester United, which may have had an impact on his time at PSV.

"Antony to Man Utd? Nice for him... but for me and my future, I think that has no influence. It's like a puzzle so in the next days I will see which puzzle fits best – for me, it'd be certainly not bad to stay at PSV. We'll see," he said.

🚨 Southampton have had a £21m bid for PSV winger Cody Gakpo rejected ❌pic.twitter.com/ykNU4lKgzV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 30, 2022

Gakpo’s future was seemingly depended on whether PSV qualified for the group stages of the Champions League, and they missed out last week.

They lost a play-off against Rangers, allowing the Scottish club to enter the group stage of Europe’s premier club cup competition, and that was a suggestion that PSV would now be open to a move.

If he goes, it will likely have to be to a mid-table Premier League club, so the temptation of Europa League football with PSV may convince him to stay.