Cody Gakpo continued to shine when scoring the opening goal in the Netherlands ‘ 2-0 victory over Qatar . In 3 consecutive matches at the 2022 World Cup, the 23-year-old striker scored. Since the beginning of the season, Gakpo also has 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions at club level.
This performance helped Gakpo to be welcomed by many clubs. Reporter Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “It is likely that Cody Gakpo will leave PSV in January. At this point, three- quarters of clubs are in the race to sign Gakpo.”
According to many sources, PSV will not sell Gakpo for less than 60 million euros. With Gakpo playing well, PSV wants to sell Gakpo outright in January 2023 when the price is available.
Gakpo is playing well.
Ten Hag’s request
Ten Hag prioritizes signing with Gakpo. He asked the Glazers to approve the move. As such, the support of the leadership will be an important factor in whether Man Utd can reach an agreement with Gakpo or not.
Before leaving Old Trafford, the Glazer family certainly wanted to leave a legacy. And Gakpo could be the last notable deal.
Plan B
The British press said that the Red Devils are also eyeing AC Milan star Rafael Leao if they cannot convince PSV to sell Gakpo in the middle of the season.
Leao has lit up the San Siro since joining Milan from Lille in 2019, scoring 34 goals and providing 30 assists in 135 appearances. This season, Leao has scored 7 goals and has 9 assists in 20 games in Serie A and Champions League. Leao’s price is not cheap, falling at about 131 million pounds.
Arsenal’s move
Arsenal could be the ideal destination.
Former Liverpool star Ryan Babel encouraged Arsenal to compete with Man Utd for the signature of Gakpo. He thinks that his compatriot juniors are more suitable for the Emirates Stadium.
“Arsenal will be an incredible team for Gakpo,” Babel told Athletic. “With the current coach and the project they are building. Gakpo must choose to follow his heart.”
It remains to be seen what decision Gakpo will make on his future, but according to Goal, Arsenal are about to contact the player’s agent. In fact, the Gunners also need to add strikers in the context that Gabriel Jesus has not met the expected number of goals.
With a promising future and high form, Arsenal is confident that they can beat Man Utd in this deal.