Arsenal is enjoying some pretty good time, both on and off the field. The gunners are in pole position to qualify for the Champions League as they sit fourth in the table. While off-the-field, one of their transfer targets is ready to move to the Emirates, ditching the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo is chased by many, but the Dutchman has Arsenal in his mind.
Reporter Marco Timmer while speaking to Voetbal International revealed that Gakpo is preparing for a summer move. Gakpo is lighting up the Eredivisie for the last couple of seasons, and Gakpo feels now is the time to take the next step. However, amid heavy interest from Liverpool, City, and Bayern Munich, the winger has made Arsenal his top priority.
Gakpo is a force to reckon with at PSV
At just 22, Gakpo has already shown signs of being a hot prospect. The academy product of PSV was promoted to the first team in 2018. Since then, Gakpo has only improved and never looked back. The Arsenal target has scored a massive 16 goals in 37 games for PSV so far. Moreover, Gakpo has 15 assists as well, clocking 0.8 goal contributions per game.
The winger further impresses with his ability as a playmaker, putting in a whopping 3 key passes per game in the league. Spearheading the attack, Gakpo averages exceptional numbers of 3 shots on target and almost 2 accurate crosses per game. His dazzling feet don’t lag behind either, as the winger amasses 3 successful dribbles per game in the league. Moreover, his consistency at such tender age has particularly impressed the interested parties. Gakpo had 14 goal involvements in 29 appearances last season, while 2019/20 season saw him mark 17 in 39 games.
What has Timmer said about the PSV talent’s move to Arsenal
No wonder Gakpo has attracted interest from some of the top clubs across Europe. However, one may wonder about the 22-year-old’s choice. As Liverpool, City and Bayern have already contacted his agents, Gakpo rather wants Arsenal. The gunners are also excited to acquire his services, readying a bid of £33 million. But the question remains, while Liverpool, City, and Bayern can guarantee him trophies, why does he prefer Arsenal over them. Marco Timmer has the answer to this as well.
Timmer explains, “It is now a certainty that Cody Gakpo will leave PSV. (Gakpo) has already spoken to clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City, while Bayern Munich is also interested.” Timmer further adds, “An intermediate step on his way to the absolute top of European football seems to be his preference. At the moment, Arsenal is in pole position, but nothing is definitive. PSV are aiming for at least forty million euros (around £33 million).”
Clearly, the PSV star has planned his future quite carefully, choosing Arsenal as his next move. Gakpo has a point as a direct leap to City or Liverpool could backfire, hampering his development. Not to mention the cases of Memphis-to-Manchester United, and Steven Bergwijn-to-Tottenham transfers. Keeping the same in mind, a move from PSV to Arsenal has more benefits and fewer risks than a move from PSV to City or Liverpool. Arsenal is a work in progress with Mikel Arteta managing a group of outrageously talented youngsters. No doubt such a dressing room would help Gakpo prepare himself for the big move in the future.
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