Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal backed to hijack £38m Man Utd transfer, with fearsome forward to give two Arteta regulars problems

PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo

Arsenal could hijack a Man Utd move for PSV Eindhoven hotshot Cody Gakpo, and a report has revealed why that’s bittersweet news for two Gunners starters.

On the back of another fantastic summer transfer window, Arsenal have started the season in fine form. A draw against Southampton last time out did dampen the mood, though they remain atop the Premier League table nonetheless.

Gabriel Jesus was the headline attraction of their summer spree. The Brazilian has cut a rejuvenated figure at the Emirates and expertly leads the line every week.

A front four of Jesus with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli in behind has worked wonders so far. All four are proving more than a handful for even the best Premier League defences.

However, despite boasting that formidable quartet, Arsenal did try to sign another forward last summer.

They bid for Leeds United’s Raphinha and would’ve battled Chelsea for his signature all the way down to the wire had the Brazilian not been dead set on joining Barcelona. Ultimately, Raphinha got his wish upon moving to the Camp Nou.

They were also linked with PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo – as were Manchester United and Leeds – though the clinical Dutchman remained where he was.

However, a remarkable 26 goals contributions in his first 20 matches this season has provided a reminder of Gakpo’s talents.

The 23-year-old will soon reach a point where he must leave the Eredivisie in search of a greater challenge. PSV boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy, recently confirmed interest in Gakpo is not limited solely to English sides.

Despite clearing the air with Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag will expect to sign a new forward in 2023. Ronaldo’s days at Old Trafford look numbered and Gakpo can operate anywhere across the frontline.

Gakpo recently confirmed he spoke several times with Ten Hag over the summer and did little to dissuade talk he may wind up in Manchester.

However, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Arsenal could torpedo their plans.

Gakpo to Arsenal in 2023?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth talked up an Arsenal move for Gakpo who has repeatedly been valued at £38m.

Sheth claimed a deal would have a greater chance of success next summer, though may come as early as January.

“Arsenal is an interesting one, because, throughout the transfer window, I think the right side of the attack was a priority position,” said the reporter.

“Now, Gakpo’s priority position, and preferred position, is on the left, but he can play in the centre and he can play on the right.

“At the moment, Saka’s occupying that right side of the front three just now. [Gakpo] would be someone that Arsenal would look at.”

“I think it would fit the profile as well, as far as Arteta is concerned,” continued Sheth.

“We know what he’s trying to build a squad of young players who’ve got high ceilings and high potential, so it could be one that Arsenal do look at in January, potentially, but the summer is more realistic.”

Football London have also given their take on Gakpo to Arsenal speculation.

PSV deal bittersweet news for two Gunners

They confirmed Gakpo – who is expected to feature prominently for the Netherlands at the World Cup – was on Arsenal’s radar last summer.

Furthermore, they claimed his potential arrival would be bittersweet news for Saka and Martinelli.

The two wingers are regular starters, though Arteta lacks for reliable depth pieces beyond them thanks to Emile Smith Rowe’s injury. Smith Rowe is arguably more effective in central areas anyway.

That’s led to teenager Marquinhos and an out of position Eddie Nketiah deputising out wide when the situation requires.

Football London reckon Gakpo’s arrival would help to avoid burnout and future injuries for Saka and Martinelli. Losing either of those attackers in the second half of the season could have a major impact on Arsenal’s title chances.

However, from the player’s perspectives, the signing would likely cut into their game-time and be a threat to their undroppable status.

Another winger in Arsenal’s sights is Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk.

READ MORE: Man Utd, Arsenal target could move as early as January, with initial stumbling block removed